Rep. Eleanor Chávez

Maddy summaryHB 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, prohibits New Mexico state and local government entities - including sheriffs' departments, schools, and public agencies - from entering into agreements or using public property to detain individuals for federal immigration enforcement. It requires existing agreements facilitating such detentions to be terminated upon the law's effective date. The bill specifically bans public bodies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on detention and ensures local policies align with these restrictions. Currently passed by both legislative chambers, it awaits the governor's signature to become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-operated or state-funded facilities - including inpatient/outpatient substance use treatment centers, juvenile correction facilities, and juvenile detention centers - from restricting medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for minors under 18 with substance use disorders. By July 2026, facilities must eliminate policies blocking MAT (using FDA-approved medications combined with counseling), and they will lose state Medicaid reimbursement eligibility if they continue such restrictions. The bill also creates a dedicated fund to support establishing evidence-based MAT programs for minors, managed by the health care authority, with annual reporting requirements starting in 2025. It directly affects minors in these facilities and the state agencies operating them.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Mexico's child abuse law to define exposure of a child to Schedule I or II controlled substances (like opioids or methamphetamine) as abuse at birth, with an exception for the mother's legally prescribed medication. It also establishes new rules for temporarily holding newborns without a court order: health professionals (e.g., doctors or nurses) may detain newborns showing withdrawal symptoms or in drug manufacturing environments for up to 24 hours while seeking court approval. The bill clarifies that such temporary custody does not count as an arrest or create a police record. It declares an emergency to take effect immediately.

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 260 prohibits seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, and prone restraint (face-down positioning) in New Mexico public schools. It allows physical restraint only when a student poses imminent danger of serious harm and less restrictive interventions (like de-escalation or positive behavior supports) have failed. The bill requires schools to implement training for staff on de-escalation techniques, document all restraint use, and develop safety plans approved by the state education department. These plans must include input from behavior specialists and address reintegration after restraint. The bill is currently pending in the Senate after passing the House in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Mexico high schools to teach students about workplace rights - including topics like minimum wage, safety standards, and anti-discrimination protections - as part of their career planning process. It amends graduation requirements to mandate that schools integrate employee rights education into students' annual "next-step plans" (developed grades 8-11), which outline coursework and post-graduation pathways. Schools must ensure this content is included in the plans signed by students, parents, and counselors, and aligns with the school's graduate profile. The policy affects all New Mexico high school students as they prepare for jobs or further education.

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 summaryThis bill bans discriminatory language in property deeds and documents, such as rules that restrict who can buy or live in a home based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. It directly affects property sellers, buyers, and county clerks who record deeds. The law requires removing such discriminatory terms before any property transfer can be recorded, and mandates updating existing documents with these clauses. It declares these restrictions void under New Mexico law, aligning with existing anti-discrimination protections for housing.

Maddy summaryHB 84, the Employee Free Speech Act, protects New Mexico employees from employer retaliation for refusing to attend or listen to workplace communications about political matters. It prohibits employers from taking adverse actions like firing, demoting, or reducing hours against employees who decline to participate in mandatory political discussions or communications. The bill allows affected employees to seek damages, reinstatement, lost wages, and attorney fees, while exempting required legal updates, job-related information, educational coursework, religious communications, and casual conversations. The bill passed the House in March 2025 but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate by June 3, 2025, and remains pending.