Rep. Meredith Dixon

Maddy summaryHB 153 establishes a state rebate program to incentivize the use of low-carbon construction materials, such as cement, steel, and glass, in eligible projects (over one residential unit or 5,000 square feet of nonresidential space). Material buyers (e.g., developers or contractors) can receive rebates for purchasing materials meeting emissions benchmarks set by the Department of Environment - 15% below industry-average greenhouse gas emissions - verified through independently assessed environmental product declarations. Rebates are capped at $500,000 per project and $10 million statewide annually, with priority given to projects achieving the greatest emissions reductions and using New Mexico-made materials. The program requires annual reporting on emissions reductions and includes strict antifraud measures, including penalties for false claims.

Maddy summaryHB 80 increases funding for New Mexico's Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund by raising the tax distribution percentage from 2/19% to 50% starting July 2027, gradually increasing to 100% through 2037 before returning to 50% after 2037. The bill directly affects oil and gas operators (through higher tax contributions) and the state's energy department (which administers the fund). Key provisions include expanding fund use to cover energy education programs ($150,000 annually) and requiring the department to plug abandoned wells, restore sites, and pursue cost recovery from operators. Funds will be managed under the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department with annual reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 158 requires state agencies receiving funds from the Government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust to submit detailed accountability and evaluation plans for their programs. These plans must outline goals, evidence-based practices, performance measures, evaluation methods, and public reporting timelines. Agencies must submit initial plans by July 1 each year after funding is approved, with potential revisions by September 1, and final evaluations by July 15 of the program’s last funding year. The bill aims to ensure transparency and measurable outcomes for public spending from this specific trust fund.

Maddy summaryHB 165 clarifies that property lessees under industrial revenue bond leases must pay special assessments for eligible energy, water, or resilience improvements on commercial, industrial, or large residential properties. The bill amends New Mexico law to explicitly include lessees (not just owners) as responsible for these payments under the Improvement Special Assessment Act. Key provisions require counties to record liens securing these assessments against the property, with the payment obligation tied to the lease agreement. This directly affects lessees of properties with five or more dwelling units or industrial facilities financed through such leases. The bill does not change the types of qualifying improvements or create new financing mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 154 updates the definition of "advanced energy product" for New Mexico's existing tax credit programs. It specifies that qualifying products include solar components (like panels and cells), wind turbine parts, battery materials, fusion machine components, and critical minerals (such as lithium and cobalt). This definition determines eligibility for the Advanced Energy Equipment Income Tax Credit and Corporate Income Tax Credit, which provide tax relief for manufacturers investing in qualifying facilities within New Mexico. The bill directly affects businesses producing these specific energy technologies who seek to claim the tax credits.

Maddy summaryHB 255 creates a dedicated state fund to help counties and public safety agencies recruit and retain workers in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public defender offices. The program provides competitive grants for recruitment bonuses, training, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and equipment tied to workforce development - *not* for base salaries or new positions. Grant applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives address local staffing gaps, with priority given to areas with high vacancy rates or crime. All funds must be spent within two years, and grantees must submit annual progress reports to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates funds for New Mexico's 2025 special legislative session and fiscal year 2026 operations. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, with unspent balances reverting to state funds. Major allocations include $1 million for court behavioral health pilots, $5.56 million for educational TV/radio, and $17.3 million for Medicaid premium assistance (pending House Bill 2). All funds must be spent by 2027 or return to state reserves.

Maddy summaryHB 1 is a funding bill that allocates money from New Mexico's general fund for the 2025 special legislative session and specific state programs. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, plus $1 million for court behavioral health programs, $5.56 million for public broadcasting, and $30 million for food assistance programs like SNAP benefits and food banks. The bill also funds $450,000 for New Mexico State University and $7.88 million to cover operational shortfalls for the Regulation and Licensing Department. Unspent funds for most programs must revert to the general fund by the end of fiscal year 2027, ensuring accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 334, the "Rural Electric Co-op Wildfire Liability Act," requires New Mexico's rural electric cooperatives to create and maintain detailed wildfire prevention plans. These plans must cover risk assessments, vegetation management, system inspections, emergency procedures, and public safety considerations, and must be reviewed by the Forestry Division and approved by the Public Regulation Commission. If approved, the cooperative can limit liability for wildfire-related damages (including economic and noneconomic losses) and claims must be filed within two years. The law also mandates public posting of the plans and annual compliance reports on the cooperatives' websites.

Maddy summaryHB 549 proposes a new third-degree felony offense for carrying a firearm while trafficking controlled substances in New Mexico. It directly affects individuals convicted of drug trafficking (violating Section 30-31-20 NMSA) who also carry a firearm, defined as any weapon designed to expel projectiles. The bill would impose a felony penalty, requiring sentencing under existing third-degree felony guidelines (Section 31-18-15 NMSA). The law is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted. The bill was referred to committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025.