Rep. Joy Garratt

Maddy summarySB 169 provides a temporary cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 1.68% annually for certain retired New Mexico public employees starting July 1, 2026, covering fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This applies to normal retirees over age 65 with at least two years of retirement, disability retirees, and eligible survivor beneficiaries. Additionally, the bill includes a higher 2.5% COLA for specific subgroups: retirees with 25+ years of service and pensions under $25,000, disability retirees in that pension bracket, and retirees who turned 75 before 2020. The $10 million appropriation from the state general fund covers these adjustments, with unspent funds remaining in the retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 49 increases penalties for felons who receive, transport, or possess firearms or destructive devices in New Mexico. It specifically raises the penalty for first-time felon firearm possession from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony, and to a first-degree felony for repeat offenses. The bill applies directly to individuals convicted of felonies who have not completed their sentence, probation, or received a pardon within the past ten years. Key provisions clarify definitions of "serious violent felon" and "destructive device" while raising criminal charges for violations. This policy change aims to strengthen restrictions on firearm access for certain convicted individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 262 amends New Mexico's Transportation Emergency Fund to explicitly allow grants for small rural school districts to purchase buses specifically for student activities. This change directly affects small rural school districts by creating a new, targeted funding source for transportation needs beyond existing uses like fuel price spikes. The bill adds this provision to the fund's existing purpose, ensuring money remains available year-to-year without reverting to the general fund. The state education secretary must track and report all distributions to the governor and relevant legislative committees, as required by current fund rules.

Maddy summaryHB 261 allocates $3 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Public Education Department to provide grants for small rural school districts to purchase buses specifically for student activities (such as sports and clubs). The funds must be expended by the end of fiscal year 2027, with any unused balance reverting to the general fund. This bill directly affects small rural school districts that lack resources for activity transportation. It is a funding measure, not a policy change, providing targeted financial support for existing extracurricular needs.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 30 requests the Legislative Education Study Committee to examine New Mexico's public education governance structure. It directs a working group to study how to improve coordination across state agencies, schools, and communities - addressing gaps highlighted by the Martinez-Yazzie court ruling on education sufficiency. The group will review models from other states, analyze existing education plans, and recommend a potential statewide commission to create a long-term vision and ensure equitable student outcomes. The committee must report its findings by November 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 2) requests the Legislative Education Study Committee to investigate screen time use for instruction and assessment in New Mexico elementary classrooms, including its effects on student learning and well-being. It also asks the Public Education Department to develop developmentally appropriate guidelines for daily screen use in those classrooms. The memorial cites research linking excessive screen time to stress, sleep issues, and reduced skill development, alongside concerns about overreliance on digital tools for tasks like handwriting and social learning. As a non-binding request, it does not create new law but directs state entities to study the issue and establish guidelines.

Maddy summarySB 64 creates a dedicated Office of Special Education within New Mexico's Public Education Department and establishes a Deputy Secretary for Special Education. It reorganizes existing special education laws into a new "Special Education Act," explicitly removing gifted students from the definition of special education services. The bill also redefines key terms like dyslexia and outlines the office's responsibilities for overseeing special education programs across all school districts, including charter schools. This structural change aims to streamline oversight and implementation of special education services statewide.

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 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, requires New Mexico public schools to use research-backed reading methods for students in kindergarten through third grade. It mandates annual literacy assessments for these students and provides interventions for those struggling with reading, while requiring schools to use approved instructional materials that align with evidence-based practices. The bill also sets new standards for teacher preparation programs, including 100+ hours of supervised field experience in structured literacy methods and training to identify reading difficulties. These changes directly affect K-3 students, public schools, literacy coaches, and teacher training programs across New Mexico.

Maddy summaryHB 34 updates New Mexico's school nurse licensure rules to clarify that charter schools must follow the same requirements as public school districts. It establishes three license levels: Level One (a 3-year provisional license requiring mentorship and annual evaluations for new nurses without 3+ years of experience), Level Two (a 9-year license for nurses who complete Level One or have 3+ years of experience), and Level Three (a 9-year license requiring advanced education and leadership skills). The bill sets minimum salaries for each level equal to corresponding teacher salary grades and mandates annual competency reviews by school districts or charter schools. These changes apply to all school nurses employed in New Mexico public and charter schools starting July 1, 2026.