Rep. Debbie Sariñana

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 summaryThis memorial requests New Mexico's Public Education Department to study creating a "gifted in-field" teacher endorsement for secondary school educators. It asks the department to collaborate with universities and organizations to examine how teachers with deep content expertise (e.g., in math or science) plus gifted education knowledge could better serve secondary gifted students. The study would evaluate criteria for this endorsement, aiming to address current gaps where teachers lack subject-specific expertise while teaching gifted students. This would primarily affect secondary gifted education teachers and the students they serve.

Maddy summaryThis memorial requests New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to create a 14-member study group focused on accelerating the approval of community- and utility-scale renewable energy projects. The group will examine current permitting processes, identify ways to streamline reviews, and recommend improvements to support the state's clean energy goals while balancing environmental protections and public input. The study group will include representatives from state agencies, utilities, environmental organizations, tribal entities, and local governments, with a final report due by November 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 30 modifies New Mexico's Teacher Residency Act by setting stipends for teaching residents as a percentage of the minimum salary for entry-level teachers (35% for undergraduates, 80% for those with bachelor's degrees). It allows teaching residents to work at any public school after completing their residency, not just the sponsoring district, and requires partner districts or charter schools to offer employment based on staffing needs and performance. This directly affects teaching residents, public school districts, and charter schools participating in the residency program. The bill updates payment structures and employment rules to increase flexibility for residents and districts.

Maddy summarySB 29 increases mathematics requirements for teachers seeking New Mexico teaching licenses or math endorsements. It mandates nine semester hours of college-level math (up from six) for all teaching licenses and requires six hours of specialized math teaching courses for those seeking a math endorsement, effective July 2027. The bill also establishes a Mathematics and Science Bureau to implement new frameworks, including mandatory math screening assessments for students and district-level math professional learning plans. These changes directly affect educators pursuing initial licensure or math endorsements, aiming to strengthen math instruction through standardized teacher preparation and school-level support systems.

Maddy summarySB 152 establishes a new Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program in New Mexico, replacing the previous "Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act." The program directly affects low-income residents who qualify for telecom service assistance, waiving specific fees including the 911 emergency surcharge and telecommunications relay service surcharge. Key provisions include restructuring the existing broadband program, setting budget caps for the state rural universal service fund, and requiring regular reporting on program administration. The bill repeals the outdated Low Income Telephone Service Assistance Act to streamline eligibility and funding under the new framework.

Maddy summaryHB 285 clarifies rules for New Mexico's existing disabled veteran property tax exemption, directly affecting veterans with service-connected disabilities and their surviving spouses who own property. It specifies that veterans must occupy the property as their principal residence to qualify, clarifies how exemptions apply to properties with multiple owners, and streamlines the claiming process by requiring proof of eligibility (including a veterans' services certificate) within 30 days of receiving the county assessor's notice. The bill also adds procedures for claiming the exemption after moving and for protesting denied claims, while ensuring the exemption applies only to the highest disability percentage among qualifying owners. It does not change the exemption amount or eligibility criteria but makes the current system clearer and easier to navigate for veterans and local assessors.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial bill (HM 18) designates January 28, 2026, as "New Mexico National Board-Certified Teachers Recognition Day" in the House of Representatives. It formally recognizes the contributions of national board-certified teachers across New Mexico's schools, including those in Title I schools and among educators of color. The resolution has no policy or funding provisions - it simply commemorates these educators' achievements through a designated day. It does not create new requirements or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 92 appropriates $10 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Department of Environment for fiscal year 2026. The funding supports planning, designing, and constructing projects to improve river, stream, and wetland habitats and surface water quality. Any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2026 would revert to the general fund. This bill directly affects the Department of Environment's water quality initiatives and communities relying on these water systems.

Maddy summaryHB 430, the Health Data Privacy Act, establishes new privacy rules for businesses (not healthcare providers) that handle New Mexico residents' health data, such as fitness apps or health-related services. It requires these entities to publicly share clear privacy policies, provide accessible tools for individuals to manage their data, and implement security measures to protect health information. The bill specifically prohibits using health data for targeted advertising without explicit consent, bans processing precise location data related to health services unless necessary, and mandates transparent consent processes disclosing data uses and sharing. Businesses must obtain separate, clear consent before collecting health data, detailing what information is gathered, how it will be used, and how individuals can withdraw consent.