Representative Martinez introduced House Bill 494, which adjusts deadlines for county assessors handling veterans’ property-tax exemptions. The sponsor said the bill would restore a prior 30-day application window and align those deadlines with other assessment timelines so counties can plan and allocate staff resources.

Ivan Barry, veterans committee chair of the New Mexico County Assessors affiliate and chief deputy assessor in Santa Fe County, testified in support and described administrative difficulties when deadlines are unclear. "Unclear deadlines make it very difficult for assessors to plan and allocate resources for timely review and approval of these exemptions," Barry said.

Committee action: A motion by Representative Chandler (recorded as coming from Representative Duncan in the transcript) to give HB494 a due pass was accepted and the committee voted to advance the bill. No opposition was recorded in the hearing excerpt.

Ending: Sponsors said the change aims to streamline county administration of veterans’ exemptions and reduce processing delays for eligible veterans.