Over the last few weeks, the ASLA State Government Affairs team worked closely with the ASLA New Mexico Chapter to influence the outcome of NM House Bill 191, a comprehensive licensing bill that among other provisions would have created reciprocity licensure barriers for landscape architects who’ve practiced for less than two years.

The legislation was introduced at the request of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD), with only seventeen days remaining until the conclusion of New Mexico’s 30 day legislative session. Recognizing there was a short legislative window and HB 191 was a legislative priority for NMRLD, the State Government Affairs team understood HB 191 would quickly move through the legislative process and began to immediately coordinate with the New Mexico Chapter.

Assisting National ASLA and leading the New Mexico Chapter’s advocacy efforts on HB 191 was long-time advocate Rob Loftis, ASLA. The State Government Affairs team worked closely with chapter leaders to provide talking points and to understand the impacts HB 191 would have on landscape architects. Using this information, Loftis, on behalf of the chapter and profession, provided virtual testimony in two hearings ((4:50 mark) & (10:02 mark)) and had conversations with several of the bill’s sponsors including Linda Trujillo, Superintendent of the NMRLD.

Loftis’ willingness, as a landscape architecture advocate, to initiate dialogue and voice the concerns of the profession eventually led to great success that resulted in securing a favorable amendment to fix the intent of the legislation and developing new relationships with legislators and Superintendent Trujillo, who promised to work closely with the profession on future regulatory initiatives. House Bill 191 was then successfully amended on the House Floor on February 12, 2022, benefiting approximately 10 other professions as well.

The profession’s advocacy success on HB 191 illustrates why state legislative tracking and chapter advocacy efforts are critical. By working hand-in-hand, ASLA increases its odds of achieving legislative success for the profession.