Rep. Diane Torres-Velásquez

Maddy summaryHB 73 eliminates the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits seeking damages related to childhood sexual abuse in New Mexico, allowing survivors to file claims at any time regardless of when the abuse occurred. It directly affects survivors of childhood sexual abuse - defined as acts violating specific New Mexico criminal laws (e.g., criminal sexual penetration of a minor) - by removing the previous time limits (like the 24th birthday deadline or 3-year window after disclosure to a healthcare provider). The bill applies retroactively, meaning it enables lawsuits for past cases where time limits had already expired. Currently, the bill passed the House but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 3, 2025, and remains pending.

Maddy summaryThis memorial (HM 56) designates May as "National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month" in New Mexico. It requests the New Mexico Department of Health to collaborate with health organizations to improve awareness, education, and access to screening for prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders. The resolution directs the health department to explore using screening tools and enhance access to treatment, support services, and community resources. It applies to all women and teenage girls in New Mexico affected by maternal mental health issues, which impact 10-20% of new and expectant mothers. This is a symbolic resolution, not a law, and focuses on raising awareness and improving health system coordination.

Maddy summaryThis memorial (HM 43) requests the Legislative Education Study Committee to examine New Mexico's Hispanic Education Act and Bilingual Multicultural Education Act. It directs the committee to study current programs, funding structures, and student outcomes for Hispanic and bilingual students - primarily affecting the state's majority-Hispanic student population - and identify successful initiatives by December 2025. The study will involve input from students, educators, community members, and the Public Education Department. This is a procedural request for evaluation, not a new law or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 61 is a non-binding request to New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department, not a law. It asks the department to study and implement autobiographical storytelling as a trauma-informed strategy to support foster children. Specifically, it requests collaboration with speech-language pathologists and mental health providers to train caregivers, help children create personal stories (focusing on present experiences, not past trauma), and develop crisis plans for emotional distress. The effort targets foster children in New Mexico - where 2,000-2,600 children enter the system annually - who face higher risks of language delays and emotional challenges due to adverse experiences.

Maddy summaryHB 487 amends New Mexico's Hispanic Education Act to explicitly protect and preserve the state's heritage Spanish language and culture as part of the law's purpose. It requires the Hispanic Education Advisory Council to meet at biannual Hispanic Education Summits and allows council members to receive travel and daily allowances (per diem and mileage) for their service. The bill directly affects the advisory council, public schools, and educational institutions serving Hispanic students across New Mexico. Key provisions update the act's goals to include cultural preservation and formalize council meeting requirements with compensation for members. The changes aim to strengthen collaboration between schools, communities, and policymakers to support Hispanic student success.

Maddy summaryHB 167 requires New Mexico's Higher Education Department to cover the full cost of high school equivalency credential tests and associated test preparation for eligible residents. It directly affects New Mexico residents who are at least 16 years old, not currently enrolled in high school, have no high school diploma or equivalency certificate, and have passed a practice test indicating readiness. The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to pay these costs, with any unused funds reverting to the general fund. This policy change makes high school equivalency testing free and accessible for qualifying adults seeking to earn their credential.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial memorial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally declares February 17, 2025 as "Viola Florez Tighe Day" in New Mexico to honor her legacy as a former secretary of higher education, UNM dean, and first Latina provost in the state. The resolution recognizes her decades of service to education, including her work as a mentor, advocate, and recipient of New Mexico's Distinguished Public Service Award. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or programs.