Rep. Pamelya Herndon

Maddy summarySB 88 creates two new state funds to secure Medicaid financing: the Medicaid Trust Fund (for long-term reserves) and the State-Supported Medicaid Fund (for direct program support). It requires transferring unspent money from general fund appropriations - like leftover capital project funds and reversion balances - to the Medicaid Trust Fund, and directs certain investment income that would normally go to the general fund into this trust. The bill mandates annual distributions from the trust fund to the State-Supported Fund once the trust reaches $500 million, and allows using trust funds if federal Medicaid matching funds drop or general fund balances are insufficient to cover program costs. These changes directly affect New Mexico’s Medicaid program by establishing new mechanisms for funding stability and federal matching.

Maddy summaryHB 56 requires New Mexico's Medicaid program to reimburse birth centers at the same rate as hospitals for equivalent services provided to Medicaid recipients. This applies specifically to freestanding birth centers (not hospital-attached facilities) that provide low-risk deliveries, ensuring these centers receive equal payment for services like prenatal care and childbirth. The bill directs the Secretary of Health Care Authority to adopt rules implementing this equal reimbursement policy. It directly affects birth centers seeking Medicaid reimbursement and Medicaid recipients accessing care at these facilities. The law aims to create financial parity between birth centers and hospitals under the state's Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryHB 178 amends New Mexico's Nursing Practice Act to clarify which nurses can administer general anesthesia, anesthetics, and sedatives, directly affecting registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice nurses (including nurse anesthetists). The bill defines specific scope-of-practice boundaries for each nurse category and updates licensing procedures to align with these clarifications. It also expands the Board of Nursing's authority, modifies disciplinary processes, and mandates confidentiality for communications related to potential disciplinary actions. These changes aim to provide clearer, more consistent guidelines for nursing practice and administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 281 exempts hair braiding from New Mexico's cosmetology and barbering licensing requirements. It specifically states that practicing hair braiding (defined as twisting, weaving, or extending hair with accessories) does not require a cosmetology or barber license, and prohibits disciplinary action against unlicensed hair braiders. This directly affects individuals who provide hair braiding services, particularly in communities where this practice is common, allowing them to operate without costly licensing while maintaining existing standards for other services like hairstyling or cosmetology. The law took effect after being signed into law on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 73 requires bicyclists in New Mexico to stop at stop signs and yield signs when safety demands, aligning bicycle traffic rules with motor vehicle standards. The bill amends state law to specify that bicyclists must stop before entering crosswalks or at marked lines if approaching traffic requires it, but may proceed without stopping if no traffic has right of way. This directly affects all bicyclists operating on public roadways in New Mexico. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and clarifies that bicyclists must follow the same stop/yield requirements as drivers when safety necessitates.

Maddy summaryHB 66 increases the maximum amount employers must advance for claim investigation costs (discovery) from $3,000 to $6,000 per case. It also raises the maximum allowable attorney fee limit for workers' compensation cases. These changes directly affect injured workers seeking compensation and employers handling claims. The bill clarifies that employers must cover discovery costs up to $6,000, with reimbursement rules if the worker doesn’t win the case, and sets a higher cap on fees attorneys can collect.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 25 (HM 25), titled "AFRICAN AMERICAN DAY," formally declares February 14, 2025, as "African American Day" within the New Mexico House of Representatives. This symbolic resolution honors African American contributions to New Mexico's history and society, referencing existing state recognition of African American heritage. It does not create new laws or policies but directs the House to observe the day, with copies sent to state officials and organizations like the New Mexico Black Caucus. The resolution was passed by the House and signed into effect on February 17, 2025.