Rep. Jenifer Jones

Maddy summaryHB 107 limits damages in medical malpractice claims in New Mexico. It sets a $600,000 cap on recoverable damages (excluding medical costs and punitive damages) for most claims and a $750,000 cap for claims against "independent providers" (like solo practitioners), with annual adjustments based on inflation starting in 2023. The bill also restricts punitive damages, limits attorney fees, and requires payments from the Patient's Compensation Fund to be made as expenses occur. These changes directly affect patients filing malpractice claims, health care providers (especially independent practitioners), and insurers.

Maddy summaryHB 51 repeals a delayed repeal of a fee for spay and neuter programs established in 2020. This bill removes the provision that would have postponed the fee's elimination, ensuring the fee is permanently removed without further delay. The fee was likely collected from pet owners during licensing or registration processes. As a result, pet owners in New Mexico will no longer be charged this fee for spay/neuter program services.

Maddy summaryHB 150 eliminates a requirement that physician assistants (PAs) in New Mexico must practice under direct physician supervision. The bill amends the definition of "physician assistant" in state law to remove the phrase "with the supervision of or in collaboration with a licensed physician," meaning PAs can now provide patient care without needing a physician physically present during services. This directly affects licensed PAs and the New Mexico Medical Board, which previously enforced these supervision rules. The change streamlines practice standards for PAs while maintaining their need for collaboration with physicians as defined elsewhere in the law.

Maddy summaryHB 157 allocates $100,000 from the state general fund to New Mexico's Department of Health to create a website and hotline for expectant families and new parents. The resource will provide direct access to information on social services, financial assistance, adoption services, pregnancy care, parenting guidance, and local care centers. The funding is limited to fiscal year 2027, with any unused balance returning to the state budget. This bill does not change existing laws but provides new public access to existing support resources.

Maddy summaryHB 240 creates the Education Opportunity Account Act, allowing eligible New Mexico students (residents without a high school diploma or equivalent) to access state-funded accounts for education expenses. The program deposits state funds - calculated based on average public school spending per grade, adjusted for special needs - into accounts managed by the state education department. Parents can use these funds for approved costs at qualifying private schools (not online schools), tutoring, textbooks, assessments, and transportation, but funds cannot be refunded to families and unspent balances revert to the state treasury after two years or upon graduation. The bill specifies strict usage rules, prohibits personal deposits into accounts, and requires annual contracts detailing approved expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 233, the "Protection of Women's Sports Act," requires New Mexico public schools and athletic clubs to designate sports teams and events as either for males, females, or coed. It mandates that participants in female-designated teams must be biologically female, verified by birth certificate sex at or near birth, and prohibits males from competing on such teams. The bill allows males to serve only as non-roster practice players without displacing female athletes. Violations permit private lawsuits for damages or injunctions, with a one-year filing deadline. This law directly affects high school and college athletic programs, governing team eligibility and competition rules.

Maddy summaryHB 11 creates the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact" to allow licensed professionals in these fields to practice across participating states without obtaining new licenses. The bill directly affects audiologists and speech-language pathologists who wish to serve patients in other member states, as well as patients seeking these services. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, requirements for criminal background checks during application, and provisions enabling telehealth services to improve access. The compact preserves each state’s regulatory authority while streamlining cross-state practice, particularly benefiting military families and remote patients. (Note: The bill passed the House but was replaced by a committee substitute; this summary reflects the original bill’s intended purpose.)

Maddy summaryHB 13 creates the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing occupational therapists and assistants licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining a new license. It directly affects licensed therapists seeking to work across state lines, patients accessing services in different states, and military spouses relocating with their partners. Key mechanisms include establishing "compact privilege" for interstate practice, requiring states to share disciplinary and investigative information through a national data system, and supporting telehealth delivery of services. The bill aims to improve access to occupational therapy while maintaining each state's authority to protect public health and safety through existing licensure standards.

Maddy summaryHB 217 appropriates $3 million from the state general fund to Western New Mexico University's Board of Regents for digitizing university files during fiscal year 2027. The funds must be spent by the end of 2027, with any unexpended balance reverting to the state treasury. This bill directly affects Western New Mexico University's administrative operations by providing dedicated funding for a specific digital infrastructure project. The legislation is purely procedural, focusing on financial allocation rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 31 creates the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact, allowing EMTs and paramedics licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining new licenses. It directly affects EMS professionals who work across state lines and the states that join the compact. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, sharing of disciplinary actions (like license suspensions), and requiring home states to use national registry exams and investigate complaints. This streamlines emergency response during cross-state incidents while maintaining public safety through shared accountability. The compact aims to increase access to licensed EMS personnel and reduce licensing barriers for providers.