Rep. Cynthia Borrego

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 summaryHB 416 clarifies and corrects inconsistencies in New Mexico's public employee pension system. It specifically addresses disability retirement procedures, survivor pension rules, and overpayment collection processes, while also clarifying pension calculations for certain public regulation commissioners. The bill aims to streamline administrative processes for the Public Employees Retirement Association and Educational Retirement Board, including allowing information sharing about reciprocity retirees. However, the bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and did not advance to become law. This is primarily an administrative clarification bill affecting public employees and retirees covered under New Mexico's pension systems.

Maddy summaryHB 16 proposes to increase prison sentences for fentanyl trafficking in New Mexico based on the amount involved or the role of the offender. Specifically, it adds up to three years to the standard sentence for possessing 100-500 fentanyl pills or 10-50 grams of powder, and up to five additional years for larger quantities or for organizing/supervising trafficking. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of trafficking fentanyl under existing laws, with enhancements applied on top of current penalties (not replacing them). It is currently pending after being postponed indefinitely in the June 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 353 creates the New Mexico Youth Film and Media Development Act, establishing a $250,000 annual grant fund administered by the state's Higher Education Department. The program provides grants to organizations offering hands-on film and media training for youth aged 12-18, with specific requirements to serve at least 100 schools across one-third of New Mexico counties and engage at least half of the state’s Native nations, tribes, and pueblos. Recipients must submit annual reports tracking youth participation, school coverage, tribal engagement, and program impact on participants’ educational and career opportunities. The bill appropriates $1.5 million total for the fund, starting in fiscal year 2026, prioritizing rural and tribal communities to expand access to film industry careers.

Maddy summaryHB 221, the "Voice and Visual Likeness Rights Act," establishes a new property right for individuals to control the commercial use of their voice and visual likeness in digital replicas. It requires written consent for any commercial use of an individual's likeness in highly realistic digital representations (like AI-generated videos or audio), with licenses limited to 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors (ending at age 18). The law allows individuals to transfer these rights after death but prohibits unauthorized use - such as creating AI clones without permission - except for bona fide news or public affairs content. It directly affects anyone whose likeness could be digitally replicated (e.g., celebrities, influencers, or everyday people) and imposes civil liability for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 568 creates a New Mexico income tax credit for homeowners who lost their primary residence to wildfires between 2021 and 2023 and rebuilt on the same property. Eligible taxpayers can claim a credit equal to their actual construction costs (minus any federal wildfire aid received), requiring proof of the fire damage, rebuilding completion, and a builder's statement. Applications for certification must be submitted within 12 months of construction completion, with unused credit amounts allowed to carry forward for up to three years. The credit expires on January 1, 2031, and applies to tax years starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 2) prohibits diverting funds from New Mexico's public employees' retiree health care trust funds for any purpose other than covering retirees' health care costs or system administration. It directly affects current and future retirees who rely on these funds by guaranteeing their legal right to benefits and requiring the trust's sole purpose to serve beneficiaries. Key provisions mandate that all trust funds must be invested and managed exclusively for retirees, with the governing board having sole fiduciary responsibility. The amendment requires voter approval before taking effect, as it alters the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis memorial (HM 56) designates May as "National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month" in New Mexico. It requests the New Mexico Department of Health to collaborate with health organizations to improve awareness, education, and access to screening for prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders. The resolution directs the health department to explore using screening tools and enhance access to treatment, support services, and community resources. It applies to all women and teenage girls in New Mexico affected by maternal mental health issues, which impact 10-20% of new and expectant mothers. This is a symbolic resolution, not a law, and focuses on raising awareness and improving health system coordination.

Maddy summaryHB 120, the "Accessibility Act," requires all New Mexico state agencies to make their websites, mobile apps, and physical facilities compliant with digital (WCAG 2.1 AA) and physical (ADA) accessibility standards by April 2026. It creates an Office of Accessibility within the governor’s commission on disability to enforce these standards, provide training, and oversee agency compliance through regular reports. The bill directly affects people with disabilities by ensuring equal access to state services and empowers individuals to file lawsuits against non-compliant agencies. The bill passed both legislative chambers in March 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on April 11, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 327 creates a "Lowrider Capital of the World" special license plate for vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles in New Mexico, directly affecting vehicle owners who choose to apply for it. Owners pay an initial fee ($50 for cars/trucks/tow trailers, $40 for motorcycles) plus a $20 annual renewal, with fees funding both plate production and cultural programs through the Cultural Affairs Department. The bill includes a sunset provision: starting in 2029, plate issuance for any category will stop if annual demand falls below 50% of 2026-2027 averages. This bill was passed by the House but vetoed on April 11, 2025, and did not become law.