SANTA FE, N.M. — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to call a special legislative session, possibly as early as late August or early September, according to her chief legal counsel.
The announcement came during a legislative committee meeting on Wednesday, where the governor’s top attorney, Holly Agajanian, told lawmakers the session would “most likely, definitely” happen—primarily to address budget concerns following the passage of the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which is expected to reduce federal funding for several state programs.
Agajanian said the session could also include proposals to reinforce New Mexico’s healthcare and SNAP systems, and potentially revisit crime legislation. The governor’s office is considering three crime-related bills: one targeting felons in possession of firearms, another redefining legal standards for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others, and a third expanding which courts can conduct competency hearings.
The governor’s last special session in 2024 ended without progress, as lawmakers—many from her own party—refused to debate her crime bills, citing a rushed process.
Some lawmakers are cautiously open to returning. Sen. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) said he supports a session if it’s well-prepared: “If we don’t come in prepared, it will be no more productive than the last special session, which was an absolute waste of everybody’s time and taxpayer dollars.”
Others, like Sen. George Muñoz (D-Gallup), chair of the Legislative Finance Committee, urged patience. “There’s time to react to this, and the slower we react, the better we’re going to be at it,” he said.
Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) criticized the potential session, calling it politically motivated and disconnected from urgent issues like juvenile justice reform and public safety. “We have deeply rooted issues, and yet here we are again talking about Trump,” she said in a statement.
The governor has not officially confirmed a date for the special session.
