Rep. Chris Chandler

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 13, introduced by Representatives Andrea Romero and Christine Chandler, requests the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a task force to develop a 10-year plan and funding strategy for modernizing New Mexico's criminal justice system. The task force will address systemic issues like outdated law enforcement training, inconsistent case data reporting, high staff turnover, and frequent case dismissals that impact public safety and equal justice. It will create recommendations for standardized data collection, updated training programs aligned with national standards, career pathways for justice professionals, and a dedicated funding mechanism. The plan will involve input from diverse stakeholders including law enforcement, courts, tribal leaders, corrections, and community representatives to improve system efficiency and fairness.

Maddy summaryHB 66 updates New Mexico's health professional loan repayment program. It creates a Health Professions Advisory Committee to select recipients of loan repayment awards, replacing the previous commission. The bill requires applicants to be licensed health professionals currently practicing in New Mexico or to agree to relocate and begin practice there. The Higher Education Department will determine award amounts and administer the program, with new criteria for selecting applicants and allowing fees if recipients breach their service agreements. This affects health professionals seeking repayment for education loans in exchange for practicing in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 99 clarifies definitions in New Mexico's Medical Malpractice Act and makes three key changes: it limits punitive damages in malpractice cases, clarifies who qualifies as a "health care provider" (including hospitals, outpatient facilities, and independent doctors), and requires payments from the Patient's Compensation Fund to be made as medical expenses are incurred rather than in lump sums. The bill directly affects health care providers (such as doctors, hospitals, and clinics), insurers, and patients filing malpractice claims. Key mechanisms include updating legal definitions to distinguish between hospital-controlled facilities and independent providers, capping punitive damages (though the exact amount isn't specified in the excerpt), and changing how compensation fund payments are processed. These changes aim to streamline claims handling while clarifying legal responsibilities for medical malpractice cases.

Maddy summaryHB 7 directs annual transfers from New Mexico's Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Trust Fund to two specific programs: $2.5 million to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund and $2.5 million to the Workforce Solutions Department for fiscal year 2026, with amounts reducing to $1.5 million each annually after 2026. These funds support apprenticeship programs under the Apprenticeship Assistance Act, directly aiding job training for workers in public works and other sectors. The bill ensures dedicated funding for workforce development while including a contingency to transfer money to the general fund only if other reserves are exhausted during budget shortfalls.

Maddy summarySB 40, the "Driver Privacy and Safety Act," limits how law enforcement and private entities can share automated license plate reader (ALPR) data. It prohibits sharing ALPR information for immigration enforcement, investigating protected health care activities (like reproductive or gender-affirming care), or targeting constitutionally protected speech. The law makes ALPR data confidential (not public record), requires court orders for private data sales, and mandates quarterly reports to the attorney general on out-of-state data requests. Violations can result in $10,000 fines per incident.

Maddy summarySB 2 (Criminal Competency) updates New Mexico law to clarify which court handles cases where a defendant's ability to stand trial is questioned. If a metropolitan court (a local court handling less serious cases) determines a defendant is not competent to stand trial, the case must be transferred to a district court - New Mexico’s higher trial court - instead of remaining in the metropolitan court. This change ensures that competency determinations and subsequent proceedings occur in courts with the authority to manage complex legal processes. The bill applies directly to defendants in criminal cases where competency is raised and aims to streamline court handling of such cases. It was passed quickly as an emergency measure in October 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 45 requests the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee to investigate how President Trump's "DOGE" department and related federal actions affect New Mexico residents. It specifically examines impacts like job losses among federal employees (including NM residents), cuts to federal programs, and potential security risks from DOGE accessing sensitive government systems. The committee must report findings and recommendations by July 31, 2025, to state legislative committees and agency secretaries. This memorial does not change laws but seeks to assess federal actions' concrete effects on New Mexico.

Maddy summaryHB 331 requires cannabis businesses with 10 or more employees to enter into a written "labor peace agreement" with a recognized labor organization. This agreement prohibits businesses from interfering with employee organizing efforts and mandates they allow reasonable access for labor groups to discuss representation, while also banning strikes or boycotts by labor groups. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees must provide a written attestation they will secure such an agreement within 60 days of reaching 10 employees. Failure to comply may result in license suspension or denial of renewal starting September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects licensed cannabis businesses in New Mexico by tying license renewals to adherence to these labor agreements.

Maddy summarySB 294 increases New Mexico's child income tax credit for qualifying children under age six by doubling the existing credit amount for this age group. The bill adjusts the credit tiers (e.g., $600 becomes $1,200 for incomes under $25,000) based on household income, with automatic annual inflation adjustments using the Consumer Price Index. It directly affects New Mexico residents with young children who qualify for the credit under federal guidelines. The policy change applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and requires the state department to report on the credit's implementation and cost.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow New Mexico state, county, school district, and municipal governments to donate public funds to private entities for public purposes like health, safety, or welfare - currently prohibited by the state constitution. It would repeal two existing constitutional sections: one banning public fund donations to private parties (Article 9, Section 14) and another restricting appropriations for charitable or educational purposes (Article 4, Section 31). The amendment requires new implementing legislation passed by the legislature before any donations can occur, and it must be approved by voters at the next general election. The bill was referred to committees and postponed indefinitely in June 2025, so it has not advanced to a vote.