The lobbyist representing the New Mexico Alcohol Alliance in the upcoming legislative session, told annual meeting participants in December that a bill to increase liquor excise taxes is likely to be introduced during the 2024 session.
Alcohol Alliance members will recall that a 2023 bill aimed to increase liquor excise taxes by more than 200 percent before negotiations resulted in an increase of about 20 percent. The final bill, passed by both chambers, was vetoed by Gov. Lujan Grisham without explanation.
Those pushing for an increase in liquor excise taxes are now trying to sway public opinion in their favor. We expect the issue to be part of the 2024 Session, which is constitutionally restricted to fiscal matters such as taxes, special issues designated by the Governor, and bills that passed in the previous session but were vetoed by the Governor.
The 2024 Legislature opens at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 16. Bill pre-file is now open, and the deadline for new bill introduction is January 31. The session will end at noon on February 15, 2024.