Rep. Pat Roybal Caballero

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Mexico to add the DNA of individuals arrested for a felony but who die before being formally charged to the national CODIS DNA database. If the person died while in prison, their DNA is automatically entered into CODIS. If they died outside prison, prosecutors must seek a court order to add the DNA. The law directly affects only those arrested for felonies who die before facing charges, with specific rules based on whether they were incarcerated at the time of death.

Maddy summaryHB 281 exempts hair braiding from New Mexico's cosmetology and barbering licensing requirements. It specifically states that practicing hair braiding (defined as twisting, weaving, or extending hair with accessories) does not require a cosmetology or barber license, and prohibits disciplinary action against unlicensed hair braiders. This directly affects individuals who provide hair braiding services, particularly in communities where this practice is common, allowing them to operate without costly licensing while maintaining existing standards for other services like hairstyling or cosmetology. The law took effect after being signed into law on April 8, 2025.