House Memorial HM048 Declares February 4, 2026 Valencia County Day

The New Mexico House of Representatives has moved to honor Valencia County with a ceremonial designation that highlights the county’s agricultural roots, historic sites and cultural institutions. Legislative language tied to the designation points to Route 66, the Tome land grant, the decalogue stone and local museums as reasons for the recognition.

One version of the memorial appears in a 2025 legislative draft identified as House Memorial 10. That text states, in full, "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 6, 2025 be declared 'Valencia County Day' in the house of representatives; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the mayors of Belen, Los Lunas, Bosque Farms, Peralta and Rio Communities and the chair of the board of county commissioners of Valencia county." The 2025 draft lists sponsors as "Tanya Mirabal Moya and Brian G. Baca and Gail Armstrong and Joshua A. Sanchez" and includes "WHEREAS" language noting that "agriculture remains a vital part of Valencia county's identity and economy," that the "original pre-1937 United States route 66 runs through the heart of Valencia county," and that "Valencia county is home to the decalogue stone, which contains an inscription interpreted to be an abridged version of the ten commandments in Paleo-Hebrew, adding to its historical significance." The draft also mentions local recreation at "golf course, Tierra del Sol," and references that "Valencia county houses two prominent museums, the Belen Harvey house" in the truncated excerpt.

A separate account identifies House Memorial 48 and records that "House Memorial 48 (HM048), introduced and passed in the New Mexico House on Feb. 4, 2026." That account states "HM048 proclaims February 4, 2026, as 'Valencia County Day' in the House of Representatives" and indicates the memorial text highlights "Valencia County’s historical and cultural significance (Tome land grant, Los Lunas, Be" in a truncated fragment.

Those two records differ on memorial number, legislative session and the declared date. The memorial identified as HM10 ties the observance to February 6, 2025, while the HM048 account ties the observance to February 4, 2026. The texts share subject matter: sponsors, municipal recipients and historic references appear across the materials provided, but the supplied excerpts do not resolve whether HM048 is a refiled or separate memorial or whether one record supersedes the other.

For residents of Belen, Los Lunas, Bosque Farms, Peralta and Rio Communities, the practical effect is likely ceremonial recognition and local opportunities to mark Valencia County’s history. The memorial language specifies that copies be sent to those mayors and "the chair of the board of county commissioners of Valencia county," a transmission that typically prompts local proclamations, museum programs and promotional efforts by tourism and economic development offices.

Local officials, museum staff and history organizations should confirm receipt of any memorial copy and whether they plan events tied to the declared day. The House Clerk’s office and House communications can provide the official enrolled text and the House Journal entry that will clarify which memorial number and date are formally recorded. For Valencia County residents, the designation underscores the county’s heritage along Route 66, its agricultural economy, and landmarks from the Tome land grant to the Belen Harvey House; it also signals potential civic observances and outreach from municipal leaders in the weeks ahead.