Maddy summaryHB 253 requires New Mexico school districts and charter schools to report projected enrollment numbers for students in distance learning programs. It changes school funding calculations by excluding distance learning students from membership counts used to determine state funding, and establishes a new approval process for these programs requiring state education department review. The bill also sets enrollment limits for distance learning with specific exceptions, clarifies requirements for students with disabilities in such programs, and renames the "Statewide Cyber Academy Act" as the "Distance Learning Act" while updating related definitions. These changes directly affect school districts, charter schools, and students enrolled in distance learning programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 239 allocates $100,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department to partner with the Higher Education Department on a feasibility study for a lowrider museum in Española. The study must be completed by 2027, with any unspent funds reverting to the general fund. This bill does not establish the museum but assesses its potential viability, focusing on factors like costs, community interest, and operational needs. The funding is specifically limited to the study phase, not construction or operation of the museum.
Maddy summarySB 208 increases the annual transfer from New Mexico's Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the Acequia and Community Ditch Infrastructure Fund, doubling the amount from $2.5 million to $5 million per year. This change directly affects acequias (traditional community irrigation systems) and local ditch associations that manage water infrastructure in rural New Mexico. The bill amends existing law to redirect these funds annually starting July 1, 2025, to support maintenance and improvements of irrigation infrastructure. The transfer mechanism is a straightforward reallocation of existing state funds without creating new programs or requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 414 requires New Mexico counties to reimburse sheriffs and deputies for daily transportation expenses when moving inmates, people charged with crimes, or individuals in law enforcement custody. The reimbursement must use the same daily rate established by the state's Per Diem and Mileage Act for government travel. This bill creates a mandatory reimbursement system for these specific transportation costs, which were not previously explicitly required of counties. The bill passed committee approval but was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.
Maddy summaryHJM 2 is a procedural request asking the New Mexico Legislative Council to create a task force to study combining the state's standing committees (active during sessions) and interim committees (active between sessions) into unified year-round committees. The task force would examine how to merge these committees, including staffing, funding, implementation timelines (with a 2027 target), and reducing overlap. It would include legislative members and public experts, and must submit a report by November 2025. This request directly affects how New Mexico's legislature organizes its committee structure, not specific policy outcomes.
Maddy summaryHB 482 creates a three-year pilot program to provide technical, financial, and managerial assistance to public community water and wastewater systems across New Mexico. Administered by the state’s local government division, the program uses $900,000 in general fund appropriations (for fiscal years 2026-2028) to support these systems. Unspent funds after 2028 would revert to the general fund. The bill directly affects community water/wastewater providers seeking operational support, with no new regulations or eligibility requirements specified.
Maddy summaryHB 502 requires sellers to disclose acequia rights and water rights as material facts during real estate transactions in New Mexico. This means buyers must be informed about these water-related rights when purchasing property, directly affecting homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. The bill designates these rights as mandatory disclosure items, not changing the rights themselves but ensuring transparency in property sales. The legislation, introduced by several state representatives, would take effect July 1, 2025, though it was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 326 creates a $5,000 state income tax credit for small businesses in New Mexico that suffered significant revenue losses due to a governor-declared disaster. To qualify, businesses must have operated for two years, experienced at least a 30% drop in gross revenue from the disaster, and have under $2 million in annual revenue. Businesses must apply for certification through the Economic Development Department, which verifies eligibility before the credit can be claimed. The credit reduces tax liability directly, with any excess refunded, and applies to taxable years starting January 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 201 raises the minimum annual salary for school employees in New Mexico to $30,000, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. It increases the minimum salary for licensed educational assistants from $25,000 to $30,000 and establishes a new $30,000 annual minimum for all noncertified school personnel (replacing a prior hourly rate of $6.00). School districts must implement this pay rate for eligible employees, including both licensed educational assistants and noncertified staff working directly with students. The bill applies to all public school districts in the state.
Maddy summaryThis memorial declares March 5, 2025, as "Soil and Water Conservation District Day" in the New Mexico House of Representatives to recognize the work of New Mexico's 47 soil and water conservation districts. It highlights their role in voluntary programs supporting forest thinning, wildfire recovery, water management, and habitat restoration, primarily benefiting landowners and local communities. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these districts' contributions to natural resource conservation.