Information accurate as of 2/12/2025
There are several bills currently being discussed in New Mexico that could impact homeschooling and private education. These bills have not passed yet, but here’s a quick look at what they could mean for homeschoolers if they move forward:
💰 Proposed: Tax Credit for Homeschool Curriculum (HB 177)
If approved, this bill would offer a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 per child to help cover curriculum costs. Families would need to apply through the Public Education Department (PED) to qualify.
📌 For more info about this bill: HB-177
🏫 Proposed: Private School Scholarships & Tax Credit (HB 324)
This bill would allow organizations to give scholarships to low-income students for private schools. It also introduces tax credits for individuals and businesses that donate to these scholarship programs.
📌 For more info about this bill: HB-324
📚 Proposed: State Funding for Homeschool & Private School (HJR 16)
A proposed change to the state constitution that could allow state funds to be used for homeschool and private school students. If this moves forward, it would eventually go to a public vote.
📌 For more info about this bill: HJR-16
🎓 Proposed: Education Freedom Accounts (SB 286)
This bill would create special accounts for parents to pay for private school or homeschool expenses using state-approved funding. Parents would apply for an account, and funds could be used for tuition, books, and other education-related costs.
📌 For more info about this bill: SB-286
🚨 Reminder: None of these bills have passed yet. They are still in discussion, and we will keep you updated as they develop!
How You Can Provide Feedback to Lawmakers
Your voice matters! If you want to share your thoughts on these bills, here’s how you can get involved:
✅ Contact Your Local Representatives – Reach out to your state senator and representative to express how these bills would impact your family.
Carlsbad:
State Senator: Gay G. Kernan (District 42)
📧 Email: gay.kernan@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4369
State Representative: Cathrynn N. Brown (District 55)
📧 Email: cathrynn.brown@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4214
Hobbs:
State Senator: David Gallegos (District 41)
📧 Email: david.gallegos@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4278
State Representative: Larry R. Scott (District 62)
📧 Email: larry.scott@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4450
Artesia:
State Senator: Greg Nibert (District 27)
📧 Email: greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4266
State Representative: Jimmy G. Mason (District 66)
📧 Email: jimmy.mason@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4220
Roswell:
State Senator: Greg Nibert (District 27)
📧 Email: greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4266
State Representative: Mark B. Murphy (District 59)
📧 Email: mark.murphy@nmlegis.gov
📞 Phone: (505) 986-4454
If you're outside of these areas, you can find your legislators here.
Sample Email to Send to Legislators
If you’d like to email your representatives, here’s a simple message you can copy and personalize:
Subject: Support for Homeschool and Education Bills
Dear [Representative/Senator],
I hope this email finds you well. As a homeschooling & private-schooling parent in New Mexico, I am writing to express my strong support for several proposed bills that would provide much-needed financial relief and support for homeschool and private school families in our state.
Specifically, I encourage you to support:
HB 177 – Homeschool Curriculum Tax Credit: A refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 per child for curriculum costs.
HB 324 – Educational Scholarships & Tax Credit: Expanding scholarships for low-income private school students and providing tax incentives for donors.
HJR 16 – State Funding for Homeschool & Private School: Allowing state funds to support homeschool and private education.
SB 286 – Education Freedom Account Act: Creating Education Freedom Accounts to give parents more control over their child’s educational expenses.
These bills would make a meaningful difference for many families like mine, providing greater educational choice and financial support.
I respectfully ask that you support these bills and advocate for their passage. Thank you for your time and your service to New Mexico families.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number] (optional)
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns—we’ll keep you updated as things progress!
Other Ways To Help
✅ Submit Public Comments – Some bills allow public comments before they are voted on. Keep an eye on the New Mexico Legislature website for updates on hearings.
✅ Spread the Word – Share this information with other homeschool families so they can also stay informed and take action.
Thank you!
Thank you for taking an active role in shaping the future of private and homeschool education in New Mexico!
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