This bill amends existing New Mexico election laws to allow qualified electors applying for a hunting or fishing license to register to vote at the Department of Game and Fish. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that enable voter registration through the department at the time of applying for a license, in addition to existing options available at state agencies providing public assistance or services to individuals with disabilities. The bill also updates the language to replace references to the "human services department" with the "health care authority," reflecting a shift in responsibility for voter registration processes.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a state-agency-based voter registration program, requiring the secretary of state to adopt rules for its administration. These rules will ensure that voter registration forms are distributed and accepted properly, and that activities are reported in compliance with federal regulations. The bill mandates that any voter registration made at a state agency must be transmitted to the appropriate registration officer within ten days, and it emphasizes the confidentiality of voter registration records. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 1-4-5.2, 1-4-48