Rep. Nicole Chavez

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal would allow courts to deny bail for felony defendants if prosecutors present clear evidence that release would endanger people or the community, or if the person is a flight risk. For violent or dangerous felony charges, courts would automatically presume these risks unless the defendant proves otherwise with a preponderance of evidence (more likely than not). It also requires courts to consider financial hardship when setting bail, preventing detention solely due to inability to pay bond. As a constitutional amendment, it must be approved by voters at the next general election.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 28) is a non-binding request to New Mexico's governor, asking them to formally opt the state into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. It does not create new state law but urges the governor to submit an "advance election" to the IRS, allowing New Mexico residents to claim federal tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations supporting K-12 students. The program, enacted by federal law, enables dollar-for-dollar tax credits for charitable contributions to scholarship-granting groups, with no cost to New Mexico’s state budget. The memorial emphasizes that delaying this decision could redirect private donations to other states, potentially reducing educational funding opportunities for New Mexico families.

Maddy summaryHB 92 would expand New Mexico's tax exemption for Social Security income, directly benefiting seniors whose primary income comes from Social Security. The bill phases in higher tax exemptions over time: starting at 20% for 2026-2027, increasing to 40% (2028-2029), 60% (2030-2031), 80% (2032-2033), and reaching 100% by 2034. It sets income thresholds: $75,000 for married filing separately, $150,000 for joint filers, and $100,000 for single filers. The bill is currently pending before the House Commerce & Economic Development and Taxation & Revenue Committees.

Maddy summaryHB 44 (Dental & Dental Hygienist Compact) proposes to create a multi-state agreement allowing licensed dentists and dental hygienists from New Mexico to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It establishes a "compact privilege" that would let qualified professionals work temporarily in other member states, reducing duplicative licensing requirements. The bill also requires state and federal criminal background checks for license applicants, as amended in the Dental Health Care Act. This aims to improve access to dental care, address workforce shortages, and facilitate mobility for military members and their families. The bill is currently under review by the House Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees.

Maddy summaryHB 259 creates a process for optional actuarial reviews of New Mexico health care bills that could change insurance coverage requirements. The Legislative Finance Committee must hire qualified contractors to analyze proposed bills, estimating impacts like affected residents, premium changes, and cost shifts for consumers and health insurers. Legislators can request up to two reviews per party per chamber annually, with reports published online by January 1 each year. The bill appropriates $100,000 for this purpose in fiscal year 2027, focusing on data-driven analysis rather than altering coverage directly.

Maddy summaryThe New Mexico Prison Rape Elimination Act (HB 292) requires all state and local correctional facilities - including prisons, jails, lockups, and community confinement centers - to adopt zero-tolerance policies against sexual abuse and harassment. Each facility must appoint a dedicated coordinator to oversee prevention, detection, and response efforts, with clear definitions of terms like "sexual abuse" and "facility" to ensure consistent application. This law directly affects inmates, detainees, and staff by mandating specific safety protocols in confinement settings. It establishes concrete standards for accountability without specifying enforcement penalties or expected outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 132 would create a legal presumption that specific health conditions are work-related for New Mexico police officers, directly affecting commissioned officers (including sheriffs, deputies, and certain missile range civilian police) who meet the eligibility criteria. The bill presumes that PTSD (after 20 years for pre-2013 hires, 25 years for later hires), back pain from wearing a duty belt, and heart issues (same timeframes) were caused by employment. Employers could rebut these presumptions with evidence showing non-work-related causes, but would initially cover medical treatment until a court rules otherwise. If a court finds the condition isn’t work-related, the employer’s insurer would be reimbursed by the officer’s health insurance plan.

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 summarySB 43 changes New Mexico's parole process for inmates sentenced to life imprisonment. It requires the parole board to prioritize an inmate's risk level, participation in rehabilitation programs, and readiness to rejoin society when considering release, while also weighing offense details and victim impact. The bill sets a minimum five-year parole period for life sentences (unless reduced for public safety) and mandates a written parole plan and signed conditions of release before an inmate can be freed. Additionally, it updates compensation rules for parole board members and hearing scheduling procedures.

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.