The 30-day Legislative session has come and gone, and a bill filed by Sen. Antonio “Moe” Maestas that proposed to give decision-making power on student-athlete eligibility to the Public Education Department instead of the New Mexico Activities Association, was not heard.

Maestas’ bill had only a slim chance of being heard anyway, he said last month. He has made other similar efforts along this front, specifically in 2023 and 2025, that died in the Senate Education Committee.

The NMAA every school year receives hundreds of requests related to transfers and eligibility, and it wants to retain enforcement power.

“It would have been a great hearing to have,” Maestas said. “But bills are hard to pass in a 30-day session.”

Maestas said he is encouraged that the NMAA is in the process of possibly changing part of its bylaw language as it pertains to transfers, and is considering a “one free transfer” rule.

NMAA executive director Dusty Young last week at the NMAA Board of Directors meeting said there should be a full proposal for the board to vote on at the final board meeting of the school year. That meeting is scheduled for June 4. Young said New Mexico needs to adapt and find a policy more in line with other states.

James Yodice covers prep sports for the Journal. You can reach him at jyodice@abqjournal.com or via X at @JamesDYodice.