The Senate Conservation Committee on Saturday advanced Senate Bill 5, a package of changes sponsors say modernizes the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and strengthens its financial footing for work on nongame and species of conservation concern.

Representative (sponsor) McQueen and Senator Campos presented the bill as a multi‑part package: (1) clarify the department's mission to manage a broader range of species, (2) revise commission appointment processes and create a nominating committee, (3) increase hunting and fishing license fees (with a Consumer Price Index mechanism for future adjustments) and (4) provide new dedicated funding to support nongame species work through the state's budget framework.

Nut graf: The bill drew support from hunting and conservation groups — including the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Audubon Southwest and Trout Unlimited — who said the department needs steadier and targeted funding to manage nongame species, wetlands and migratory birds. Opposition came primarily from trappers, some ranchers, and landowner groups who said the measure would centralize authority, raise fees for certain practices and insufficiently protect landowners' interests.

Key changes and funding. Sponsors said the bill maintains a seven‑member commission while creating four specified "position" seats (rancher/farmer, hunter/angler, conservationist, scientist) and three at‑large seats with geographic and political diversity requirements. A nominating committee — whose members will be appointed by legislative leaders and the governor — will vet candidates and forward a list to the governor for appointment. The bill also adds four nonvoting advisory seats for state agencies (Outdoor Recreation Division, Department of Agriculture, State Land Office, Department of Indian Affairs).

The bill proposes modest fee increases for hunting and trapping licenses and adds a CPI adjuster to allow future fee adjustments tied to inflation. Sponsors told the committee they have budgeted new funding in the state's fiscal framework: the GROW Fund allocates approximately $3,500,000 per year (totaling $10,500,000 over three years) to support nongame and species‑of‑greatest‑conservation‑need work alongside the existing Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund.

Tribal representation, nominees and the nominating committee. Committee debate focused heavily on appointments and representation. Senator S. Charlie offered an amendment to add a seat specifically reserved for a representative of an Indian nation, tribe, or Pueblo; the amendment passed after floor debate and a committee vote. Sponsors said the bill already improves tribal engagement by creating a tribal advisory slot on the nominating committee and a nonvoting seat for the Department of Indian Affairs, but a separate, identified commission seat for tribal representation won support on the committee.

Supporters' arguments. Conservation groups and sporting organizations urged the committee to approve the bill. "For the first time in history, we have a dedicated hunter and angler seat on the commission," Jesse DuVall of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation said. Audubon and Trout Unlimited witnesses said the state needs more resources to manage nongame birds and fisheries and pointed to the economic value of bird‑watching and angling.

Opponents' concerns. Trappers, ranchers and several county and landowner groups opposed or urged delay. Chance Studford, president of the New Mexico Trappers Association, said the proposed fee increases were uneven and could be punitive for trappers. Northern New Mexico ranchers urged more inclusion in drafting, and representatives of county coalitions asked for more clarity on how elk and other wildlife impacts on private land would be addressed. Several ranchers and range scientists said the bill bundled too many changes and that parts of the bill should be taken up separately.

Committee action. The committee approved a first set of technical and policy amendments during the hearing and later approved an amendment (sponsored by Senator Charlie) to add a tribal representative on the commission. After additional debate and votes on the amendments, the committee adopted a motion recommending SB 5 "due pass as amended" and sent the bill to the full Senate.

Next steps and practical questions. Committee members and witnesses asked for more detail on the fee schedule, the logistics of the nominating committee and the transition schedule for current commissioners. The bill sets staggered initial terms so the new commission takes effect on 01/01/2027; sponsors said the schedule avoids surprise turnover mid‑term and gives the nominating committee time to vet candidates.

Ending: The committee's approval puts SB 5 on the Senate calendar; sponsors and agency officials said they will continue to refine language and answer implementation questions for affected landowners, hunters and tribes.