Rep. Meredith Dixon

Maddy summarySB 143 creates a dedicated "utility oversight fund" in New Mexico's state treasury, funded by fees collected from utilities (like electric, gas, and water providers) operating within the state. The bill increases the annual inspection fee from 0.59% to 0.6% of utilities' New Mexico gross receipts and directs all related fees, late interest (15% annually), and penalties (2% for late payments) into this new fund, which cannot be used for other state purposes. The Public Regulation Commission will manage the fund, using it to support its oversight duties under the Public Utility Act, with disbursements requiring legislative appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 211 creates a 30% tax credit for businesses spending at least $3 million on infrastructure for quantum technology research facilities in New Mexico, capped at $50 million per facility. It directly affects companies building such facilities (excluding U.S. government-operated sites) by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability through a two-step certification process with the economic development department. The credit expires for taxable years ending before 2035, with a total state spending limit of $75 million (increasing to $150 million if New Mexico wins a specific federal quantum grant). The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 36 requests the University of New Mexico (UNM) to study the costs and benefits of developing New Mexico's nuclear energy industry and recommend statutory or regulatory changes. The study must examine economic, safety, and operational factors, with UNM reporting findings to the legislative energy committee. This non-binding memorial directly affects UNM as the study recipient and could inform future policy decisions about nuclear energy development. It does not create new law but seeks research to support potential industry growth, acknowledging New Mexico's historical ties to nuclear energy and uranium mining.

Maddy summaryHB 205 creates a nine-member nominating committee to select the Secretary of Children, Youth and Families (CYFD) in New Mexico. The committee, appointed by legislative leaders, the governor, and the chief justice, must submit at least five diverse, qualified nominees to the governor for appointment. This replaces the current process by requiring geographical diversity across counties and ensuring nominees are independent of the department. The bill directly affects the governor’s appointment authority for the CYFD Secretary position and the department’s leadership structure.

Maddy summaryHB 538 creates two tax credits for New Mexico industrial facilities to reduce emissions: a production credit paying $85 per metric ton of emissions cut (40% below industry benchmarks) and an investment credit covering 10% of qualifying decarbonization spending (up to $5 million per facility). It directly affects facilities producing concrete, steel, hydrogen, or critical minerals in New Mexico that meet emissions targets. Credits require department certification based on life-cycle assessments and industrial benchmarks, with annual funding caps of $30 million in 2026 rising to $100 million yearly after 2027. Facilities cannot claim both this credit and federal Section 45Q credits in the same year.

Maddy summaryHB 329 establishes a Behavioral Health Purchasing Collaborative to coordinate mental health and substance abuse services across New Mexico state agencies. The collaborative, attached to the Governor's office, will develop statewide service plans addressing regional needs (including rural, cultural, and border issues), consolidate behavioral health funding requests, and set quality standards for contracted providers. It requires the Governor to appoint a Director from nominees submitted by a new nominating committee, and mandates quarterly reports to legislative committees on service metrics and spending. This bill directly affects state agencies managing behavioral health programs and the residents accessing these services.

Maddy summarySB 205 creates a new Office of Housing Planning and Production within New Mexico's Department of Finance and Administration to coordinate statewide housing efforts. The office will develop a strategy to reduce housing costs and increase availability - including for low-income and homeless households - by analyzing zoning rules, building codes, construction costs, and promoting innovative housing solutions like modular homes. It requires annual data collection on housing needs, market conditions, and program impacts to track progress toward state goals and identify geographic gaps. The office will provide technical assistance to local governments, tribes, and regional entities to improve housing regulations and grow local housing capacity. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 286 amends New Mexico's Crime Reduction Grant Act to expand the eligible uses for state grants awarded to criminal justice coordinating councils. It allows funding for evidence-based treatment alternatives to incarceration, crisis intervention teams, reducing barriers to diversion programs, and improving data-sharing systems between law enforcement and treatment services. The bill requires grantees to limit administrative costs to 5% of funds, develop data-sharing agreements, use evidence-based practices, and submit quarterly and annual reports on program effectiveness. These grants directly support local justice agencies, treatment providers, and law enforcement working on crime reduction strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 363 creates a new legal structure called a "decentralized unincorporated nonprofit association" in New Mexico, enabling groups to operate without traditional corporate oversight. It allows associations with at least two members to form under a written agreement, use blockchain and smart contracts for governance (like voting), and hold property for members' benefit - while prohibiting profit distribution to members. The bill requires filing formation documents with the Secretary of State and specifies that members' interests cannot be transferred or seized upon death or membership termination. This directly affects nonprofits seeking to leverage digital tools for decentralized decision-making while maintaining nonprofit status.

Maddy summaryHB 548, the "Oil and Gas Equalization Tax Act," proposes a new 0.85% tax on oil and gas production in New Mexico. It directly affects oil and gas producers (operators), royalty owners (interest owners), and purchasers of these products. The tax is calculated on the "taxable value" of products after deducting royalties paid to the state or tribes and reasonable trucking costs. Operators and purchasers must withhold the tax from payments to royalty owners and report monthly production volumes and values to the state tax department. The bill is currently pending, having been postponed indefinitely in June 2025.