Rep. Bill Hall

Maddy summaryHB 273, the Women's Safety & Protection Act, requires domestic violence shelters, public schools, and juvenile detention facilities in New Mexico to designate separate sleeping quarters and restrooms for males and females. It mandates that these facilities provide reasonable accommodations (like single-occupancy spaces) for individuals who cannot use facilities matching their sex, but prohibits access to opposite-sex areas when others of that sex are present. The bill explicitly allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, maintenance, and ADA accommodations, while ensuring facilities remain compliant with federal disability law. It directly affects residents of these facilities, staff, and students in New Mexico's public schools and shelter systems.

Maddy summaryHB 264 creates new tax deductions for New Mexico taxpayers earning tips (based on federal Section 224), overtime pay (federal Section 225), and Social Security income (federal Section 151). It replaces the Working Families Tax Credit with a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) modeled after federal rules, adds a new Foster Parent and Guardian Income Tax Credit, and expands the medical expense deduction to apply to taxpayers of all income levels. The bill also extends tax deductions for healthcare practitioners to include patient coinsurance payments. These provisions directly affect low-to-moderate income earners, tip-based workers, retirees, and foster care providers by modifying how their income is taxed under New Mexico law.

Maddy summaryHB 60 amends New Mexico's Victims of Crime Act to expand the definition of "criminal offense" to specifically include certain crimes committed against peace officers, such as aggravated assault, battery, or assault with intent to commit a violent felony. This change directly affects victims of these specific offenses by ensuring they qualify for victim services and compensation under the Act. The bill adds 3 new provisions (22-24 in the definition list) referencing crimes against officers under Section 30-22-22 to 30-22-25 of the state criminal code. It does not alter criminal penalties but adjusts eligibility for victim support programs. The bill was referred to committee with a "DO PASS" recommendation.

Maddy summaryHB 20 requires New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Division to add a Native American designation to driver's licenses and identification cards when requested by applicants who provide tribal documentation. It directly affects Native American applicants in New Mexico who can verify tribal membership through an enhanced tribal card, tribal ID, certificate of Indian blood, or tribal/BIA affidavit. The bill mandates that the designation must not specify a particular tribe or pueblo, and cannot include personal information beyond what is needed to confirm tribal membership. This policy change allows tribal members to have their cultural identity recognized on official state IDs without revealing specific tribal affiliations.

Maddy summaryHR 1 is a procedural resolution creating a special House committee to investigate allegations related to "Zorro ranch," a private estate in Santa Fe County. The committee, composed of two members from each major party, will examine claims of criminal activity and public corruption connected to the property, with authority to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and issue reports. It must complete its work by December 31, 2026, submitting interim and final reports detailing findings and recommendations on legislative action. The resolution directly affects state oversight procedures but does not enact new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 61 increases penalties for assaulting police officers in New Mexico. It directly affects individuals who commit battery against officers while they are lawfully performing duties. The bill reclassifies two types of offenses: causing temporary disfigurement or loss of body function becomes a fourth-degree felony, while inflicting great bodily harm or using deadly weapons raises the charge to a second-degree felony. These changes modify existing criminal penalties under Section 30-22-25 of New Mexico law, making the most severe assaults carry significantly higher penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 163 amends New Mexico's Delinquency Act to define unlawful possession of cannabis and alcohol by minors as a "delinquent act." It directly affects children under 18 who possess cannabis or alcohol in prohibited settings, such as public places or retail establishments without parental supervision. The bill adds specific provisions: possessing cannabis (except under the Compassionate Use Act) or being present in liquor establishments (outside restaurants) without a parent/guardian now triggers juvenile court involvement. This expands the list of activities that would be treated as juvenile offenses under the law. The bill was referred to committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 566 exempts certain law enforcement personnel from New Mexico's standard 7-day firearm waiting period. It specifically applies to active certified law enforcement officers, former/retired officers, commissioned officers with arrest powers, and tribal law enforcement officers who are not disqualified from firearm possession. The bill amends existing law to remove the waiting period requirement for these individuals when purchasing firearms, while maintaining the 7-day waiting period for all other buyers. This change directly affects qualified law enforcement personnel during firearm purchases, without altering the general waiting period for the public.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment would allow New Mexico courts to deny bail for felony defendants if prosecutors prove - using clear and convincing evidence - that release would endanger others or the community. It specifically creates a legal presumption that defendants charged with "dangerous or violent" felonies (as designated by law) cannot be safely released, shifting the burden to them to prove otherwise with a preponderance of evidence. The bill directly affects individuals charged with serious felonies, particularly those involving violence or danger, by making pretrial detention easier to justify. If passed, it would require voter approval through a constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHB 299 would create a new category of retirement member for law enforcement instructors at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy. Specifically, it defines "state law enforcement instructor member" as individuals who maintain law enforcement certification and provide training under the Law Enforcement Training Act. This change would include these instructors under the existing State Public Safety Member Coverage Plan 1, aligning them with other public safety employees for retirement benefits. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or eligibility rules but expands who qualifies for this specific retirement plan.