CAI members, partners, and staff actively advocated on behalf of the approximately 130,000 New Mexicans living in 51,100 homes in nearly 2,000 community associations across the state during the state’s 2026 legislative session. A special thank you to CAI’s New Mexico Chapter-In-Organization board, who continue to track and advocate on legislation impact community associations in Santa Fe! New Mexico’s 2026 legislative session began on January 20 and adjourned on February 19, 2026.
2026 Key Bills of Interest to Community Associations in New Mexico
Below is a brief overview of highlights from the 2026 New Mexico State Legislative Session:
CAI SOUGHT AMENDMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING BILLS
CAI works with legislators to champion amendments to legislation to help the language better align with CAI’s public policy positions on any given topic impacting the community association industry.
SB 96 Childcare
When first introduced CAI NM opposed SB 96, which as initially written would have forced associations to accept the presence of home-based childcare facilities without preserving the association’s ability to adopt and enforce reasonable, uniformly applied rules addressing parking, traffic, common-area use, amenities, liability, insurance, and architectural standards. CAI advocates were able to successfully negotiate improvement amendments to the bill that:
- Preserves uniform rule enforcement;
- Allows recovery of cost-based, documented fees;
- Ensures that state licensing requirements do not override neutral association rules;
- Protects associations’ authority to regulate health, safety, and property; and
- Preserves control over common areas.
A special thank you goes out to Senator Heather Berghmans and Early Care and Education Department attorney Shelley Strong for their willingness to collaborate.
When issues arise that affect the community association housing model, CAI develops formal public policy positions to guide its volunteer leaders and professional staff in advocacy related to community association governance, management, core values, and relationships with government entities. CAI’s 51,000 members actively engage in this process through 65 chapters and 36 state Legislative Action Committees. As noted in CAI’s Residential Childcare Facility Public Policy, home-based childcare facilities present unique and community-specific impacts. These include issues related to common amenities, parking, drop-off and pick-up activity, liability exposure, and compliance with architectural and safety standards. CAI recognizes the need for increased access to quality, affordable childcare, however communities must retain the ability to self-govern and regulate based on objective impacts, rather than be subject to a one-size-fits-all statutory mandate.
Call to action advocacy campaigns were launched during each stage of this bill’s progress, encouraging first amendments and then support for SB 96 once amendments were successfully negotiated. In total, 205 advocates from across New Mexico sent legislators in both chambers a combined total of 1,189 emails.
Status: Successfully AMENDED and PASSED. Awaiting Governor’s Signature.
HB 17 Accessory Dwelling Units
As introduced, HB 17 would have forced associations across the state to accept the construction of new accessory dwelling units in their communities, regardless of existing covenants and potential impact on shared infrastructure.
As noted in CAI’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Public Policy, CAI supports expanded housing options, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), as part of addressing New Mexico’s housing needs. CAI likewise supports responsible ADU policies that increase flexibility and affordability. CAI worked to amend HB 17 to better protect existing covenants and allow associations to impose reasonable restrictions to protect the integrity of shared infrastructure such as roads and water supplies. CAI also sought to amend the bill to explicitly exclude condominiums and other communities where the creation of an ADU would be impractical.
A call to action advocacy campaign was launched asking New Mexico residents to reach out to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee in advance of the bill’s hearing. This campaign saw 6 advocates send 6 emails to each member of the committee, resulting in a total of 66 emails sent.
Status: Successfully DIED in Committee.
Get Involved in CAI’s New Mexico Advocacy Work through CAI’s New Mexico Chapter-In-Organization!
CAI’s New Mexico Chapter has grown to nearly 100 members strong. In addition to strong and effective advocacy work in Santa Fe, CAI provides information, resources, education programs and best practices designed to help you and your communities throughout New Mexico thrive.
Not a member yet? Join a growing global network of more than 51,000 community managers, management company executives, homeowner leaders, and business partners, and open up a world of opportunities for professional growth, networking and industry knowledge.
Learn more and join today at https://nm-cai.org/.
Track NM Legislation
CAI keeps track of legislation throughout the year, so you can stay informed. You can check the legislation that CAI is monitoring around the clock here.
CAI NM Legislative Resources and Contact Information
New Mexico Legislative Resources
CAI New Mexico Chapter in Organization
CAI Advocacy | Community Associations Institute
(888) 224-4321 – government@caionline.org
Support and Donate Today
CAI depends on professional lobbyists funded by community associations, businesses, and individuals to create the best public policy for the community association industry in New Mexico. Learn More & Donate Today by Selecting “Issues Advancement Fund.”
