Licensed landscape architects are crucial in shaping New Mexico's built environment. They contribute to various projects, including public parks, main street revitalizations, trail systems, streetscapes, and plazas. These public spaces are essential for the well-being of our communities. Our profession follows strict standards to ensure that the spaces we design are safe, sustainable, and visually appealing, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

1. SB 61 - Landscape Architecture Licensure Update: This bill modifies the experience requirements for landscape architect licensure, reducing the required years for applicants without a degree from ten to eight and increasing it from five to six years for those with related degrees. It also allows the Board of Landscape Architects to adjust experience requirements through rulemaking to align with changing national standards. The bill maintains provisions allowing educational credits to substitute for experience.

2. SB 113 - Board & Commission Sunset Extensions: This Sunset Omnibus Bill aims to extend the operational authority of five regulatory boards, including the Board of Landscape Architects, by six years. An amendment proposed by the New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects seeks to extend this period to ten years, which would help reduce administrative burdens.

3. HB 85 - Prohibition of Non-Functional Turf: This bill addresses water conservation by banning non-functional turf on state-owned properties, with a compliance timeline of six to eight years.

4. SB 206 - Increase Minimum Amounts for Procurement: This bill raises the cost threshold for architectural and engineering services from $50,000 to $100,000, reflecting inflation and the increasing complexity of public works projects. This change aims to streamline smaller projects and enhance flexibility in contracting, ultimately leading to better public infrastructure.

(Past event)

With your generous assistance, we will outline the various efforts made during the important legislative session on March 7th to ensure that our Act receives strong recommendations for renewal. These dedicated efforts include covering our lobbyist fees and providing schwag for the legislators involved in this crucial process.