Rep. Luis Terrazas

Maddy summaryHB 117 allows physician assistants (PAs) to certify the cause of death on a death certificate when they were the treating provider for the patient's illness or condition, without requiring physician approval. This directly affects PAs, hospitals, and medical facilities by expanding their authority under New Mexico’s death certification rules (amending Section 24-14-20 NMSA 1978). The key change explicitly adds PAs to the list of authorized certifiers alongside physicians and nurse practitioners, removing the prior need for physician oversight in such cases. It does not alter existing timeframes for filing death certificates or medical investigation procedures. The bill became law after being signed in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 101 clarifies that commissioned law enforcement officers performing official duties are exempt from New Mexico's general rule prohibiting firearms at polling places. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who may be present at polling locations during elections. It amends the existing law to explicitly state that officers acting within their official capacity are not considered to be unlawfully possessing a firearm in these areas. This change provides clear legal protection for officers conducting election security, without altering restrictions for other individuals. The bill does not change the penalty for non-officers who violate the firearm prohibition at polling places.

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 summaryHB 47 amends New Mexico's property tax exemptions for veterans, increasing the maximum annual exemption from $4,000 to $10,000 starting in 2026, with future adjustments for inflation. It directly affects New Mexico veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses who own property as their primary residence, expanding eligibility to include those discharged due to service-connected disability. The bill updates exemption amounts to reflect a 2024 constitutional amendment and requires annual inflation adjustments using the Consumer Price Index. This change applies to property tax calculations for qualifying veterans, with the increased exemption amount taking effect in tax year 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 175 amends New Mexico's Forest and Watershed Restoration Act to make projects creating or maintaining "buffers" (treated areas reducing wildfire fuel) in wildland-urban interfaces eligible for funding. These buffers act as barriers between homes and forests to limit wildfire spread and create safer zones for firefighters. The bill specifically adds this type of project to the list of eligible uses for the Forest Land Protection Revolving Fund, which previously supported broader restoration efforts. It directly affects communities in fire-prone areas where homes meet undeveloped land, providing a new funding pathway for wildfire prevention infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HM 9) is a memorial resolution, not a law, declaring January 29, 2025 as "Grant County Day" in the New Mexico House of Representatives. It recognizes Grant County's cultural heritage, economic contributions (like mining and Western New Mexico University), historical significance, and local attractions through a series of "WHEREAS" statements. The resolution has no binding effect on policy or residents; it is purely ceremonial and symbolic. The House passed it, and it was signed into effect, but it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities beyond the House's formal recognition.