PLA Efforts in New Mexico Push Forward Sunset Bill Before Deadline
New Mexico Senate Bill 113
Following the quick action of the ASLA New Mexico (ASLA NM) chapter and Practicing Landscape Architects (PLAs) across the state, New Mexico Senate Bill 113 was added to the agenda of the New Mexico House Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 17 and was heard on the House floor on Wednesday, March 19.
If SB 113 is passed, it would extend the operational authority of the Board of Landscape Architecture in the state of New Mexico beyond July 1, 2025. Amendments to the bill also propose to lengthen the statutory sunset period from six years to ten, moving the next sunset date from July 1, 2032 to July 1, 2036. If the bill is not heard and approved by the First Session of the 57th Legislature, which ends at noon on Saturday, March 22, Landscape Architects across the state will lose their licenses.
At 9:50 a.m. PDT Monday morning, LASN received an e-blast from ASLA NM asking members of the landscape architecture community to call the House Judiciary Committee (HJC) and urge them to place SB 113 on the agenda for Wednesday, March 19.
By 10:30 a.m. PDT, the HJC agenda had been amended to include a hearing of SB 113 at 12:30 p.m. PDT.
At 5:58 p.m. PDT, LASN received a voicemail from HJC Committee Assistant Melanie Granito confirming that SB 113 had received a Do Pass recommendation from the HJC and would be moving on to the House floor, though there is no information as to when it will appear.
3/19/25 8:22 a.m. PDT Update: SB 113 is Item 44 on the New Mexico House of Representatives agenda for Wednesday, March 19.
3/20/25 4:40 p.m. PDT Update: On Thursday, March 20, SB 113 appeared again on the House agenda as Item 39.
3/21/25 10:17 a.m. PDT Update: On Thursday, March 20, SB 113 was passed in the New Mexico House of Representatives, 50 'Yes's' to 14 'No's.'
Prior to Monday's efforts, SB 113 had been reported by the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee on March 12 with a Do Pass recommendation.
Due to the quick action of PLAs and others in the landscape architecture community, licensure in the state of New Mexico is one step closer to being protected for the next generation of Landscape Architects.
3/26/25 8:15 a.m. PDT Update: ASLA NM President Arturo Merino of Westwind Landscape Construction, Inc. responded to LASN's request for comment with the following:
"On behalf of ASLA New Mexico, I would like to take a moment to commend the extraordinary efforts of our members, the New Mexico Board of Landscape Architects, the National ASLA, and the entire landscape architecture community in New Mexico regarding Senate Bill 113. The swift response to our call to action exemplifies our commitment to protecting our profession and advancing the interests of Landscape Architects across the state.
We are pleased to announce that SB 113 has not only been added to the House Judiciary Committee agenda but has also passed in the New Mexico House of Representatives with a strong majority. This legislation is vital, as it extends the operational authority of the Board of Landscape Architecture beyond the imminent July 2025 deadline and extends the statutory sunset period from six to ten years. By securing our licenses, we ensure that future generations of Landscape Architects can continue to uphold the standards and integrity of our profession.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and advocacy of Practicing Landscape Architects (PLAs), our supporters, and everyone who took the time to contact their representatives. Your voices made a significant impact, demonstrating the strength of our community and our determination to ensure a sustainable future for landscape architecture in New Mexico.
As we move forward, we must continue to engage with our legislators and communicate the importance of our work. Let us remain united in our mission to create healthy, vibrant, and resilient environments for all New Mexicans. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.
Together, we are making a difference."
