Panel amends HB 96 and gives due pass to working-group bill to study New Mexico Space Commission

A Senate subcommittee acting as a subcommittee amended and recommended a due pass for House Bill 96, which would create a working group to study forming a New Mexico Space Commission to support commercial space development.

Sponsors described HB 96 as a next step for states using semi‑public commissions to attract commercial space firms and capitalize on New Mexicos existing space infrastructure. The sponsor introduced experts Bryce Kennedy of the Space Valley Foundation and Dan Crouch of NewSpace New Mexico to answer questions.

During discussion, members praised the goal of keeping New Mexico competitive in the commercial space sector and proposed a friendly amendment to ensure legislative leadership representation. An amendment to add "one member appointed by the pro tem of the Senate" was proposed and accepted. The subcommittee recorded a due‑pass recommendation on the amended bill (6 in favor).

Sponsor comments emphasized inclusivity in the working groups membership and the desire to mobilize private and public expertise to keep New Mexico a leader in commercial space activity.

The subcommittees recommendation will be transmitted to the full committee for further consideration and formal floor action.