Rep. Kristina Ortez

Maddy summaryHB 254 modifies New Mexico's utility cost test to allow investor-owned electric utilities to include the value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions when determining if energy efficiency programs are cost-effective. This change directly affects investor-owned utilities by enabling them to count reduced emissions as a financial benefit in cost-benefit analyses for energy-saving programs. The bill amends definitions and procedures in the Efficient Use of Energy Act, requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider avoided emissions when evaluating whether utility programs meet the "utility cost test" standard. It does not mandate new emissions reductions but changes how existing programs are assessed for cost-effectiveness. The bill is currently pending before the House committees.

Maddy summaryHB 153 establishes a state rebate program to incentivize the use of low-carbon construction materials, such as cement, steel, and glass, in eligible projects (over one residential unit or 5,000 square feet of nonresidential space). Material buyers (e.g., developers or contractors) can receive rebates for purchasing materials meeting emissions benchmarks set by the Department of Environment - 15% below industry-average greenhouse gas emissions - verified through independently assessed environmental product declarations. Rebates are capped at $500,000 per project and $10 million statewide annually, with priority given to projects achieving the greatest emissions reductions and using New Mexico-made materials. The program requires annual reporting on emissions reductions and includes strict antifraud measures, including penalties for false claims.

Maddy summaryHB 70 creates a "Utility Oversight Fund" to manage fees, interest, and penalties collected from public utilities under New Mexico's Public Utility Act. The bill clarifies that the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) is distinct from its supporting "agency," and requires all fees paid by utilities to be deposited into this new fund instead of general state accounts. The fund will be administered by the PRC to cover its operational costs, with disbursements made via state treasurer warrants. This bill primarily affects public utilities that pay fees and the PRC staff managing the fund, streamlining financial oversight without altering utility regulations or consumer protections.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution recognizes 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer in New Mexico, acknowledging the role of approximately 15,000 female farmers and ranchers who represent 41% of the state's agricultural producers according to the 2022 census. It honors their contributions to New Mexico's agricultural sector, which generates nearly $3 billion annually and supports rural communities. The resolution has no binding policy requirements or funding mechanisms, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 35) requests New Mexico's Health Care Authority to develop a Medicaid state plan amendment creating a pediatric palliative care benefit. It would allow children with serious, complex, or life-limiting conditions to receive supportive palliative care - including pain management, family support, and 24/7 nurse access - alongside curative treatments, without requiring a shift to hospice care. The benefit would be modeled on a 2024 UNM study, including specific quality measures and payment structures for providers. This would directly affect families of medically complex children in New Mexico who currently face barriers to accessing coordinated care under existing Medicaid rules.

Maddy summaryThis memorial requests seven New Mexico state agencies - including the Department of Game and Fish, State Land Office, and Department of Agriculture - to attend a 2026 workshop on insect identification, ecology, and management. Sponsored by the Wild Friends program, UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology, and the Xerces Society, the workshop aims to improve agency knowledge of insects’ ecological roles. Agencies are encouraged to share educational materials developed by students and the sponsors, focusing on public outreach about insects’ importance to pollination, soil health, and ecosystem balance. The memorial does not create new laws but seeks to foster collaboration between agencies and educational partners to address public misconceptions about insects. It is a non-binding request, not a legislative mandate.

Maddy summaryHB 111 increases daily civil penalties for water law violations in New Mexico from $100 to $3,400 per day for most infractions, such as unauthorized water diversion or overuse. It directly affects water users, permit holders, and entities violating state water rights or groundwater regulations. Penalties accrue daily during the violation and become enforceable only after a compliance order becomes final, following required hearings. The bill also sets higher penalties of $10,000 per day for violations involving illegal recovery or use of stored water.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial (SM 3) requests six New Mexico state agencies - including the Department of Game and Fish, State Land Office, and Department of Agriculture - to attend a 2026 workshop on insect identification, ecology, and management. Sponsored by the Wild Friends program, UNM Museum of Southwestern Biology, and the Xerces Society, the workshop aims to educate agency staff about insects' ecological roles (like pollination and soil health) and encourage sharing public-facing materials to reduce misconceptions about insects. The memorial is non-binding and focuses on voluntary agency participation to support ecosystem awareness.

Maddy summarySB 18 establishes legally binding statewide greenhouse gas emissions targets for New Mexico, requiring a 45% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030, 75% by 2040, and net zero emissions (100% reduction) by 2050. The bill mandates that the Environmental Improvement Board track and report emissions, allowing states to meet targets through direct reductions or carbon removal projects within New Mexico, including initiatives on tribal lands. It updates key definitions in environmental law to clarify terms like "greenhouse gas," "statewide emissions," and "carbon intensity" for consistent reporting and enforcement. These provisions directly affect state agencies, businesses, and industries contributing to emissions within New Mexico.

Maddy summaryHB 229 allocates $430,000 from the state general fund to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the "NM-GROWN Approved Supplier Program" in fiscal year 2026. The program aims to support local agricultural suppliers by promoting New Mexico-grown products, directly benefiting state farmers and producers who qualify as approved suppliers. Funds must be spent by the end of fiscal year 2026, with any unspent balance reverting to the state general fund. The bill was referred to committees, passed committee approval, but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, preventing its enactment.