Summary:

 Senate Bill 446 (SB 446) appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico (UNM) for the Political Science Department to conduct research on the demographics of individuals who speak for or against housing- and construction-related matters at zoning and planning hearings or meetings and city council hearings or meetings in Santa Fe and Albuquerque during Fiscal Year 2026. The research will involve collecting and analyzing demographic data, including age, sex, race, homeownership status, place of birth, and whether individuals represent a neighborhood or homeowner association. The findings must be summarized in a report and submitted to the governor, the Legislative Finance Committee, and other relevant legislative committees by June 30, 2026. Any unexpended or unencumbered funds remaining at the end of Fiscal Year 2026 will revert to the General Fund. 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Bill 446 (SB 446) appropriates $200,000 for research on public participation in housing and construction policy debates. The Political Science Department at University of New Mexico will be responsible for conducting the research, which will focus on individuals who provide public input at zoning and planning hearings or meetings and city council hearings or meetings in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The bill specifies that the data collected must include demographic details such as age, sex, race, homeownership status, place of birth, and whether the individual speaks on behalf of a neighborhood or homeowner association. The research findings will be compiled into a report that must be submitted to the governor, the Legislative Finance Committee, and other relevant legislative committees by June 30, 2026. The appropriation is for Fiscal Year 2026, and any remaining funds at the end of the fiscal year will revert to the General Fund.

Implications
SB 446 aims to provide demographic insights into public participation in housing and construction policy decisions. The research could help policymakers understand the composition of individuals who engage in zoning and planning decisions, potentially identifying trends related to representation, advocacy, and barriers to participation in these processes. The findings may be used to inform housing policy, community engagement strategies, and legislative approaches to urban development. The appropriation ensures dedicated funding for this research; however, it represents a one-time expenditure for Fiscal Year 2026. The requirement that unexpended funds revert to the General Fund ensures financial accountability. The effectiveness of the study will depend on data collection methods, participation rates, and the accuracy of self-reported demographic information. 

Current Law:

 There is currently no statutory requirement for demographic analysis of individuals who participate in zoning, planning, and city council hearings related to housing and construction issues in Santa Fe or Albuquerque.