The Senate Rules Committee voted to recommend House Bill 518, a bill designating an annual LGBTQ+ Day during the 60‑day legislative session on the fourth Tuesday of January.

Rep. Mariana Amari, the bill sponsor, told the committee the observance is intended to put LGBTQ+ representation on par with other designated session observances such as African American Day and Hispanic Culture Day. Amari cited a statistic she said demonstrates disparities in life expectancy among LGBTQ+ people and said the day would provide recognition and visibility for LGBTQ+ New Mexicans.

Sen. Harmel, who identified himself as one of the state’s LGBTQ+ senators, spoke in support and described the measure as meaningful for young people seeking role models. Several senators expressed support and framed the observance as consistent with existing session recognitions.

A motion to report HB 518 as do pass was adopted by the committee; the chair announced five votes in favor and the bill will be forwarded for further consideration.