Rep. Art De La Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 50 consolidates sentencing for multiple vehicle theft offenses in New Mexico. It specifies that repeated violations of any vehicle theft-related crime - including unlawful taking, embezzlement, fraudulent obtaining, or receiving stolen vehicles - will count toward sentencing severity. Under the bill, a third offense (regardless of which specific violation occurred first) would be treated as a second-degree felony, increasing penalties for repeat offenders. This directly affects individuals convicted of multiple vehicle theft-related crimes, making sentencing more severe for repeat violations.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 600 is not provided in the context, so a substantive summary cannot be generated. The title ("PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE") indicates a broad policy category, but no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected groups are described. Committee actions show the bill was referred to multiple committees but postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, without further details. Without the actual bill language, no concrete policy changes can be identified or summarized.

Maddy summaryHB 404 creates a three-year pilot program providing monthly monetary stipends (up to $2,000) to New Mexico adults under 26 who are former foster youth, previously adjudicated under the Delinquency Act, or aged out of foster care. The stipends, administered by the Higher Education Department, are intended to cover basic living costs and improve educational, employment, and health outcomes for eligible participants enrolled in school, apprenticeships, or job-training programs. The program requires annual reporting to the legislature and a final evaluation by 2031, with $3 million appropriated from the general fund for fiscal years 2026-2028. The bill was postponed indefinitely by the legislature on June 3, 2025, and is not currently active.

Maddy summaryHB 443 would allow 18-year-olds to deliver and stock packaged alcoholic beverages (like bottles and cans) for licensed businesses, removing a previous requirement that they hold a commercial driver's license. This specifically affects young workers in alcohol delivery and stocking roles at licensed retailers, restaurants, or distributors. The bill amends existing rules to permit these tasks only when handling sealed, unbroken packages - excluding sampling or serving alcohol. It does not change age restrictions for serving alcohol or for minors in licensed premises. The bill was approved by committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 22 amends New Mexico's Minimum Wage Act to prohibit employers from deducting credit card processing fees from tips paid via credit card. It requires employers to pay tipped employees the full amount indicated by patrons on credit card slips, without any deductions for fees charged by credit card companies. This directly affects service workers (like servers and bartenders) who receive tips through credit card payments in New Mexico. The bill takes immediate effect as it declares an emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 580 creates a special elk-themed license plate for New Mexico vehicles, allowing owners to pay a $25 initial fee (plus $10 annually) to support wildlife conservation. The revenue splits: $10 covers plate production costs, while $15 (plus all renewal fees) funds the state's "Share with Wildlife" program in the Game Protection Fund. The bill requires the Department of Game and Fish to design the elk logo and mandates that plate issuance may stop after 2031 if annual sales fall below 50% of the 2026-2031 average. This affects vehicle owners who choose the plate, with no personalized designs permitted.

Maddy summaryHB 166 increases penalties for individuals convicted of felonies who possess firearms or destructive devices in New Mexico. It sets a five-year prison term for first-time possession, adds a nine-year term for second or subsequent offenses, and specifies nine years for "serious violent felons" (those convicted of certain violent crimes). The bill affects felons with prior convictions who possess firearms, including those with prior violent offenses, and clarifies sentencing for these cases. These changes modify existing penalties without expanding the categories of people covered.

Maddy summaryHB 268 would require manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) and nicotine liquids to register products with New Mexico's tobacco division by August 2025 and maintain a public directory of approved products. It clarifies definitions like "snuff" and "timely filed premarket application," and mandates financial guarantees (surety bonds) for certain manufacturers. The State Department of Justice gains enforcement authority for violations related to these products, alongside existing penalties for noncompliance. The bill was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, so it has not taken effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Iron Horse" license plate for motorcycles that are at least 35 years old and owned as collector's items. To qualify, owners must pay a $7 fee and provide a witnessed bill of sale or affidavit showing the motorcycle was assembled from parts of 35+ year old motorcycles. The plate will display "Iron Horse," "Land of Enchantment," and "New Mexico" and must be attached to the rear of the vehicle. Starting July 1, 2029, owners will need to pay a $5 fee to revalidate the plate, and violations of these provisions are considered penalty assessment misdemeanors with a $25 penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 622 is a New Mexico legislative bill introduced by Representative Art De La Cruz in the 2025 session, titled "PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE." The provided context does not include specific policy provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties, as the bill text is empty in the given materials. The bill was referred to the House Rules and Order of Business Committee but was later postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025. Without substantive text or committee details, no concrete policy changes can be described.