Rep. Eleanor Chávez

Maddy summaryHB 46 modifies New Mexico's Hospital Equipment Loan Act to clarify tax exemptions for health-related equipment. It removes real property from the definition of "health-related equipment" and specifies that real property first purchased before July 1, 2025, but later refinanced or repurchased on or after that date, will lose its property tax exemption. This change directly affects hospitals and health facilities that use bonds issued under the Hospital Equipment Loan Act to finance equipment or real property. The bill ensures tax exemption only applies to equipment not involving real property, with the policy change taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 349 requires New Mexico's Department of Health to develop a comprehensive database tracking all health care spending by October 2025. The database must collect data on payments from all sources - including private insurers, public programs, prescription drugs, insurance premiums, and nonmedical costs like rural transportation - across all health care providers. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund to fund this effort over two fiscal years, with unused funds reverting to the general fund. This is a data-collection measure, not a direct policy change affecting residents or providers.

Maddy summaryHB 537 requires New Mexico's public colleges and universities (excluding specialized institutions like the military academy) to appoint a full-time staff member as a "homeless student liaison" starting in 2026. The liaison must identify students experiencing homelessness (using FAFSA data), connect them with campus and community resources for basic needs, assist with financial aid applications, and help manage coursework. The bill also mandates training for faculty/staff to recognize homelessness and requires the Higher Education Department to administer annual student surveys on homelessness. It appropriates $500,000 for training and survey costs in fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 129 reduces the probation period for New Mexico state public employees from one year to 180 days. It directly affects all state employees hired into classified positions, changing their initial probationary requirement. The bill also prohibits requiring additional probation if an employee transfers to a different state service assignment. This change amends Section 10-9-13 of New Mexico's Personnel Act, specifically modifying the probation duration and transfer rules. The legislation passed the House in February 2025 but was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 24, introduced by Representative Eleanor Chávez, requests the Legislative Finance Committee to create a task force to study staffing levels at New Mexico's Corrections Department and Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). The task force will examine current staffing shortages - including vacancy rates exceeding 30% in critical roles - analyze recruitment and retention strategies, and recommend safe staffing levels and necessary policy or funding changes. It will include department staff, union representatives, and legislators, and must deliver a report by December 2025. This memorial does not enact new law but seeks a formal study to address documented understaffing concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 64 would expand eligibility for New Mexico's in-state tuition rates and state financial aid to include non-residents regardless of immigration status, provided they meet one of three criteria: graduating from a New Mexico high school, completing two semesters of adult education in the state, or earning income in New Mexico for two years with filed tax returns. This change requires public post-secondary institutions to grant these benefits on the same terms as New Mexico residents, removing immigration status as a barrier for qualifying individuals. The bill applies to all state-funded financial aid and tuition rates at public colleges and universities. It is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 59 adds "off-site fabricators" to New Mexico's Public Works Minimum Wage Act. This means workers who prefabricate components like ductwork for public projects (e.g., schools, roads) must now receive the same minimum wage and fringe benefits as on-site laborers and mechanics. The bill requires contractors to pay prevailing wages determined by the labor division based on collective bargaining agreements for these workers, with rates posted at project sites and payroll records maintained. It directly affects contractors and fabricators working on public projects over $60,000, ensuring they meet the same wage standards as other construction workers.

Maddy summaryHB 233 requires New Mexico health insurance plans to cover durable medical equipment specifically for treating active diabetic foot ulcers, including topical oxygen therapy, when prescribed by a healthcare provider. This mandate directly affects individuals with diabetes who develop foot ulcers, ensuring their insurance covers these necessary medical devices. The bill amends existing insurance laws to add this equipment as a required benefit under policies covering diabetes care, without creating new funding. It applies to all individual and group health insurance policies, health plans, and managed care plans operating in New Mexico.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Mexico to add the DNA of individuals arrested for a felony but who die before being formally charged to the national CODIS DNA database. If the person died while in prison, their DNA is automatically entered into CODIS. If they died outside prison, prosecutors must seek a court order to add the DNA. The law directly affects only those arrested for felonies who die before facing charges, with specific rules based on whether they were incarcerated at the time of death.