Rep. Cynthia Borrego

Maddy summarySB 77 requires construction companies working on most state-funded public works projects (like buildings or infrastructure) to pay into apprentice and training programs or a state fund. This applies to all public construction projects except those involving trades not recognized as apprenticeable by federal standards. Employers must contribute the same amount required by existing wage rate rules, verified through payroll reports. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and affects contractors bidding on New Mexico government construction projects.

Maddy summarySB 145 restructures New Mexico's audit requirements for state agencies and local public bodies (like counties, school districts, and water districts). It revises revenue thresholds that determine reporting obligations: local bodies with annual revenue under $100,000 are exempt from most financial reporting, while those between $100,000-$500,000 must submit tailored reports focused on their specific activities. The bill also mandates that state agencies conduct annual federal single audits starting in 2028, aligning with federal standards. These changes aim to reduce administrative burden for smaller entities while maintaining oversight for larger ones. The bill updates audit definitions, reporting rules, and the audit fund appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 242 provides a temporary 1.68% annual cost-of-living pay increase for eligible New Mexico public retirees aged 65+ who have retired for at least two years. It applies to normal retirees, disability retirees, and survivors meeting specific criteria, with an additional 2.5% increase for retirees with pensions under $25,000 annually. The state appropriates $10 million from the general fund for fiscal years 2027-2028 to fund these adjustments, starting July 1, 2026. The bill ensures retirees receive these increases without compounding and allows them to opt out of the adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 220 amends New Mexico's property tax laws to extend the timeline for delinquent tax sales. It increases the required delinquency period for counties to list properties for sale from two years to four years and extends the waiting period before a sale can occur from three years to five years. The bill also requires counties to record delinquency lists without fees, sets minimum sale prices based on unpaid taxes and costs, and includes a special provision allowing community land grant boards to match the highest bid for properties within their boundaries. This affects property owners with unpaid taxes by providing additional time before their property may be sold to recover the debt, applying to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 171 appropriates $200,000 from the state general fund to the Board of Regents of Northern New Mexico State School for producing an educational documentary about historical figure Padre Antonio Jose Martinez. The funds must be spent by fiscal year 2027, with any unexpended balance reverting to the general fund. This bill directly affects the Northern New Mexico State School and the state budget, providing specific funding for a historical documentary project. It does not change existing laws or create new programs, but allocates resources for a defined educational media project. The bill is currently under review by Senate committees.

Maddy summaryHB 162 creates a new crime of "negligent homicide by vehicle" (a fourth-degree felony) for causing death while violating reckless driving laws. It increases penalties for homicide by vehicle under the influence or with prior DWI convictions (adding four years per prior DWI within 10 years). The bill also allocates $250,000 for a statewide public education campaign on reckless driving, funded from the general fund for fiscal year 2027. This legislation directly affects drivers who cause death or injury through reckless or impaired driving. It modifies existing criminal penalties without changing the underlying reckless driving statute.

Maddy summaryHB 132 would create a legal presumption that specific health conditions are work-related for New Mexico police officers, directly affecting commissioned officers (including sheriffs, deputies, and certain missile range civilian police) who meet the eligibility criteria. The bill presumes that PTSD (after 20 years for pre-2013 hires, 25 years for later hires), back pain from wearing a duty belt, and heart issues (same timeframes) were caused by employment. Employers could rebut these presumptions with evidence showing non-work-related causes, but would initially cover medical treatment until a court rules otherwise. If a court finds the condition isn’t work-related, the employer’s insurer would be reimbursed by the officer’s health insurance plan.

Maddy summaryHB 177 allocates $150,000 from the general fund to New Mexico's Veterans' Services Department to support veterans who need temporary separation from their service or companion animals for housing, medical care, or homelessness services. The bill funds contracted animal boarding, veterinary care, kennel facilities at veteran housing sites, and pet food to prevent veterans from losing access to essential services due to animal separation. This funding is available for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund. The policy directly affects veterans requiring shelter, housing, or medical care that would otherwise require parting with their service animals.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 22 (HM 22) is a non-binding memorial requesting that the New Mexico Association of Counties and New Mexico Municipal League inform their members about the benefits of forming flood control districts under the existing Flood Control District Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 72, Article 18). It aims to raise awareness among local and regional governments about using this established legal framework to address flood risks, particularly following wildfires and climate change impacts that increase flooding. The memorial does not create new laws or funding but encourages proactive planning through existing state law. It directly affects county and municipal governments by providing information about a pre-existing tool for flood management.

Maddy summaryHB 42 allocates $200,000 from the general fund to New Mexico's Aging and Long-Term Services Department for fiscal year 2027. The funds will contract with providers to supply frozen food, including medically tailored meals, to communities facing high food insecurity, limited healthy food access, and populations with medical conditions requiring special diets. The bill directly affects vulnerable residents in these underserved communities by improving access to nutritious, condition-specific food options. Any unspent funds at year-end will revert to the general fund.