Rep. Bill Hall

Maddy summaryHB 555 requires that all New Mexico massage therapy licenses include a clear, visible photo of the license holder. This change applies directly to individuals holding or applying for a massage therapy license under the Massage Therapy Practice Act. The bill amends existing law to add this photo requirement, which would take effect on July 1, 2025, for all new and renewed licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 371 allows local and county governments in New Mexico to authorize off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) like ATVs to operate on paved streets and highways within their boundaries, subject to specific safety requirements. It mandates that authorized OHVs must have headlights, taillights, brakes, mirrors, mufflers, valid operator licenses, insurance, eye protection, and helmets for minors under 18. Local authorities may also set separate speed limits and operating restrictions for these vehicles. The bill does not require authorization but provides a framework for communities to permit OHV use on public roads while maintaining safety standards.

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes amending New Mexico's constitution to remove term limits for county sheriffs, allowing them to serve unlimited consecutive four-year terms. Currently, sheriffs are barred from holding office for more than two consecutive terms (with a two-year break required before re-election), but this amendment would eliminate that restriction. The change would directly affect county sheriffs across New Mexico and requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect. This is a constitutional amendment, not a regular law, so it would not change current sheriffs' terms but would apply to future elections.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 7) declares February 10, 2025, as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" within the New Mexico House of Representatives. It directly affects New Mexico's law enforcement agencies, including state police, county sheriffs, municipal police, tribal departments, and tribal law enforcement entities. The bill's key mechanism is a symbolic declaration to honor officers, accompanied by a directive to distribute copies to relevant agencies. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or mandate actions - only recognizing law enforcement service. The bill was referred to committee but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 565 modifies New Mexico's firearm sale waiting period law by exempting certified and commissioned law enforcement officers (with arrest powers) from the standard 7-day waiting period when purchasing firearms. This means law enforcement officers can immediately take possession of firearms they buy, unlike most other buyers who must wait seven days. The bill amends existing law (Section 30-7-7.3 NMSA 1978) to add this exception, specifically targeting officers performing official duties. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 381 establishes a legal presumption that defendants charged with specific dangerous felonies must remain in pretrial detention unless they prove otherwise. It directly affects individuals facing 16 listed serious offenses (including murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, and firearm-related crimes) by shifting the burden of proof: prosecutors must first show by strong evidence the defendant poses a danger and no release conditions can protect the community, after which the defendant must rebut this presumption. The bill requires an adversarial hearing where the defendant must demonstrate they are not dangerous or that safe release conditions exist. This bill is currently pending (postponed indefinitely in June 2025) and would change pretrial detention procedures in New Mexico courts.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 57 requests a study group to address a retirement benefit disadvantage affecting New Mexico law enforcement academy instructors. The memorial highlights that instructors must switch from a 20-year retirement plan (available to municipal officers) to a 25-year plan at the academy, creating a significant barrier to recruitment and retention. This gap leaves the academy only 40% staffed for instructor roles, despite needing qualified candidates with law enforcement experience. The study group - comprising representatives from the Department of Public Safety, the academy, and the state retirement system - will develop recommendations for the legislative committee by September 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HM 28) is a symbolic memorial declaring March 17, 2025, as "Irish-American Day" within the New Mexico House of Representatives. It does not create new laws or affect residents; instead, it formally recognizes Irish Americans' historical contributions to New Mexico, citing figures like Stephen Kearny, Billy the Kid (born to Irish parents), and artist Georgia O'Keeffe. The resolution directs the House to celebrate Irish-American heritage and sends a copy to the Irish-American Society of New Mexico. As a commemorative measure, it has no regulatory or financial impact.

Maddy summaryHB 251 allows retired educators in New Mexico to change their designated beneficiary for retirement payments under specific conditions. It enables retired members who initially chose a spouse as a beneficiary (Option B or C) to update this designation once, either to another person or to end the beneficiary arrangement (resulting in full payment without reduction). To make this change, retirees must pay a $100 fee, obtain spouse consent if switching from a spouse beneficiary, or secure court approval. This update applies only to those with a living beneficiary designated under Options B or C, streamlining beneficiary changes without retroactive adjustments.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 19, introduced in New Mexico's 2025 legislative session, declares February 10, 2025, as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in the House of Representatives. This symbolic resolution formally recognizes the work of law enforcement officers across New Mexico, including those serving municipalities, counties, tribes, and state agencies. It directs copies to be sent to the New Mexico State Police, sheriffs' associations, municipal leagues, tribal departments, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The bill does not create new policies, allocate funds, or change existing laws - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment with no binding requirements. The resolution passed the House but was tabled and withdrawn before becoming law.