Rep. Liz Thomson

Maddy summaryHB 86 removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking cases in New Mexico, allowing prosecutions to occur at any time. It raises the age for "sexual exploitation of children by prostitution" from 16 to 18 years and adds human trafficking to the definition of "racketeering" for legal purposes. The bill also defines "harm" in trafficking cases, prohibits specific defenses for traffickers, and expands protections by adding trafficking victims to the Victims of Crime Act. These changes directly affect human trafficking victims (especially minors), prosecutors, and defendants, focusing on strengthening legal tools to address trafficking. The bill was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 207 would expand New Mexico's insurance rules to exempt certain medications from prior authorization requirements. It directly affects patients with autoimmune disorders, cancer, rare diseases (affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.), or substance use disorders, and insurers covering their prescriptions. The bill requires insurers to cover these medications without prior approval or step therapy (trying cheaper drugs first) when a doctor deems them medically necessary for the condition. This change applies only when no cheaper generic, biosimilar, or interchangeable biologic alternative is available.

Maddy summarySB 20 increases cigarette and tobacco product taxes in New Mexico, directly affecting consumers who purchase these products. It raises tax rates, expands the definition of "tobacco product" to include all nicotine sources, and creates a new Nicotine Use Prevention and Control Fund. Revenue from the tax increases will fund state health programs targeting youth and young adults (ages 5-25) to prevent nicotine use, administered by the Department of Health with funds distributed to specific health initiatives like cancer centers and rural treatment programs. The bill also adjusts existing tax distribution formulas for state health programs.

Maddy summarySB 370 would require New Mexico Medicaid to pay OB/GYN providers at least 250% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for covered services, starting from the July 2024 baseline. It directly affects OB/GYN providers who accept Medicaid patients and requires 75% of any new reimbursement revenue to fund staff pay raises or hiring. The bill appropriates $12 million for fiscal year 2026 to cover these increased payments, with unused funds reverting to the general fund. This policy change aims to improve provider compensation and staffing in a critical healthcare sector.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposes creating a Children, Youth and Families Department and Commission in New Mexico. It would establish a five-member commission (appointed by the governor and legislative leaders) to manage the department and hire an executive director by July 2027. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect. (Note: This is a procedural constitutional change, not an operational bill.)

Maddy summaryHB 350 allocates $1 million from the state general fund to hire outside consultants for the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee. The funds would help the committee analyze factors driving up healthcare costs in New Mexico and develop potential solutions. The money is available for fiscal years 2026-2028, with any unused portion reverting to the general fund by 2028. This bill provides resources for analysis but does not change healthcare laws or directly affect providers or patients.

Maddy summaryHB 570 prohibits health insurers in New Mexico from requiring prior authorization for specific covered services, including chemotherapy, dialysis, elder care, and home health care. It also removes prior authorization requirements for prescription medications treating autoimmune disorders, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, or substance use disorders - unless a biosimilar, interchangeable biologic, or generic alternative is available. Insurers may still request post-service notifications and treatment plans compliant with federal law. The bill directly affects health insurers, healthcare providers, and patients seeking these covered services.

Maddy summarySB 38 creates a new Office of Special Education within New Mexico's Public Education Department, headed by a deputy secretary appointed for expertise in special education. The bill reorganizes oversight by moving the State Special Education Ombud from the Developmental Disabilities Council to the Public Education Department and transfers certain federal funding to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. The Office will oversee school district compliance with federal special education law (IDEA), monitor student progress, develop transition plans for students with disabilities, and coordinate services across state agencies. It directly affects students with disabilities, school districts, and state education agencies by establishing new oversight structures and requiring annual training for school staff on special education requirements. The law also mandates updates to state special education policy plans every three years.

Maddy summaryHB 389 requires New Mexico's designated health information exchange to also function as the state's "health data utility," combining and sharing health data for treatment, care coordination, and public health purposes. Key provisions mandate that entities maintain detailed audit logs tracking who accesses health data (including individual identities and dates), and allow patients to request annual access logs of their own health information. The bill directly affects health care providers, institutions, and the state's health data infrastructure by standardizing data-sharing protocols under the Electronic Medical Records Act. As of June 3, 2025, the bill was postponed indefinitely after passing committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 75 appropriates $43 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Health for fiscal year 2026, directly funding all county and tribal health councils statewide. The bill specifies that funds must cover staff salaries, expanding health services, coordinating with state health agencies and Medicaid/Medicare providers, community outreach, public health initiatives, and operational costs like office expenses. An additional $1 million is allocated for a nonprofit to provide training and technical assistance to these councils. The funding is intended to support the councils' existing roles under the County and Tribal Health Councils Act, with unspent balances reverting to the general fund by year-end.