House Bill 179, which received its first hearing on January 29, 2024 in the House Health and Human Services Committee, would raise alcohol excise taxes on beer and cider 651 percent by increasing the current 41 cents-per-gallon tax to $3.08 per gallon. Taxes on wine and spirits would increase 376 percent and 353 percent, respectively.
Numerous speakers, including the lobbyist for the New Mexico Alcohol Alliance, voiced opposition to the tax increase, saying such a large increase would harm small, “mom-and-pop” businesses that are still recovering from the pandemic. Speakers encouraged Legislators hearing the bill to focus on increasing alcohol treatment programs rather than punishing the 90 percent or more people who drink alcohol without abusing it.
The bill received a “do-pass” on a vote of 6 to 3 and will be heard next by the House Taxation and Revenue Committee.
Find the bill, and listen to the recording of the hearing.