The new bill authored by State Sen. Jay Block in the New Mexico Senate aims to broaden the definition of unlawful interference with the operation of aircraft, according to the New Mexico General Assembly.
The bill, introduced as SB 256 during the 57th general assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 4, was formally listed with the short title: ’Unlawful Interference With Aircraft’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill expands the crime of unlawful interference with the flight and operation of an aircraft to include discharging a firearm or sending any missile, projectile, laser or object intended to strike or interfere with an aircraft or its aviation support system. It defines “laser” as a beam device used as a pointer or highlighter. The bill classifies this offense as a fourth degree felony with a basic sentence of five years in prison and allows a fine of up to $250,000, and it updates the sentencing statute and repeals an outdated related section.
Jay Block, a member of the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee, proposed another 15 bills during the 57th general assembly. He is also a member of the Senate Rules Committee, a member of the Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee, a member of the Legislative Health & Human Services Committee, a member of the Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and an advisory member of the Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee.
In New Mexico, the legislative process involves multiple steps: a bill is introduced in either the House or Senate, assigned to a committee for review, debated and voted on in both chambers, and, if approved, sent to the governor for signature or veto. The Legislature meets annually, commencing on the third Tuesday in January, with 60-day sessions in odd-numbered years and 30-day sessions in even-numbered years. While numerous bills are introduced each session, only a fraction successfully navigate the process to become law. You can read more about bills and other measures here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB 255 | 02/04/2026 | Fentanyl Trafficking as Murder |
| SB 254 | 02/04/2026 | Trunked Radio Subscriber Fees |
| SB 149 | 01/26/2026 | Property Tax Code Definitions |
| SB 144 | 01/26/2026 | Repeal Special Zoning District Act |
| SB 117 | 01/23/2026 | Uniformed Service Salary Tax Exemption |
| SB 116 | 01/23/2026 | Uniformed Service Retirement Pay Tax Exemption |
| SB 485 | 02/20/2025 | Reduce Early Voting Time |
| SB 484 | 02/20/2025 | Government Accountability to Taxpayer Act |
| SB 483 | 02/20/2025 | Election Day as Holiday |
| SB 476 | 02/20/2025 | First Responder Retiree Health Premiums |
| SB 459 | 02/20/2025 | Protection of Women’s Sports Act |
| SB 454 | 02/19/2025 | Public Safety Service Credit Changes |
| SB 341 | 02/10/2025 | Death Penalty for Certain Crimes |
| SB 340 | 02/10/2025 | Declarations of Emergency Changes |
| SB 200 | 01/29/2025 | State Holiday to Vote |
