NEW MEXICO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE ADVOCACY 2025
The ASLA New Mexico would like to take a moment to commend the extraordinary efforts of our members, the New Mexico Board of Landscape Architects, the National ASLA,our lobbyist, and the entire landscape architecture community in New Mexico regarding Senate Bill 113. The swift response to our call to action exemplifies our commitment to protecting our profession and advancing the interests of landscape architects across the state.
We are pleased to announce that SB 113 has not only been added to the House Judiciary Committee agenda but has also passed in the New Mexico House of Representatives with a strong majority. This legislation is vital as it extends the operational authority of the Board of Landscape Architecture beyond the imminent July 2025 deadline and extends the statutory sunset period from six to ten years. By securing our licenses, we ensure that future generations of landscape architects can continue to uphold the standards and integrity of our profession.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and advocacy of Practicing Landscape Architects (PLAs), our supporters, and everyone who took the time to contact their representatives. Your voices made a significant impact, demonstrating the strength of our community and our determination to ensure a sustainable future for landscape architecture in New Mexico.
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.
As we move forward, we must continue to engage with our legislators and communicate the importance of our work. Let us remain united in our mission to create healthy, vibrant, and resilient environments for all New Mexicans. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.
Together, we are making a difference!
This year, the New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects is actively supporting the following bills:
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.
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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.