Rep. Chris Chandler

Maddy summarySB 420, the "Community Privacy & Safety Act," requires online service providers operating in New Mexico to limit how they collect and use consumer data. It directly affects for-profit companies offering online features, products, or services to New Mexico residents, prohibiting them from using biometric data without consent, engaging in data brokerage without permission, or using deceptive "dark patterns" to manipulate user choices. Key provisions include giving consumers the right to opt out of data sharing, access their data, and prevent retaliation for exercising these rights. The law also bans companies from waiving these protections or denying service based on a consumer's privacy choices.

Maddy summaryThe Immigrant Safety Act prohibits New Mexico state and local government agencies - including police departments, jails, schools, and universities - from entering into or continuing agreements that allow federal immigration authorities to detain people for civil immigration violations. It requires immediate termination of any existing such agreements and bans the use of public property for this purpose. The law does not affect law enforcement's ability to detain individuals for criminal investigations under state law. Violations can be addressed through civil lawsuits filed by the attorney general to obtain court orders halting the practice.

Maddy summaryHB 224, the Student Loan Bill of Rights Act, establishes new consumer protections for student loan borrowers in New Mexico. It requires non-bank student loan servicers to obtain a license, prohibits unfair practices like sudden loan acceleration, and mandates clear rights for borrowers - including equal access to repayment options, disability discharge for permanent disability, and cosigner notice and release. The law creates enforcement tools, including a Student Loan Ombud and a private right to sue for violations, while exempting banks and credit unions from licensing. It directly affects New Mexico residents with private student loans, their cosigners, and the non-bank entities managing those loans.

Maddy summaryHB 60, the Artificial Intelligence Act, requires developers and deployers of high-risk AI systems (those making consequential decisions in areas like employment, housing, healthcare, or lending) to provide notice to consumers, document system details, and disclose risks of algorithmic discrimination. It mandates risk management policies, impact assessments before deployment, and reporting of "risk incidents" where discrimination occurs. The law would enforce these requirements through the New Mexico Department of Justice and allow consumers to sue for injunctive or declaratory relief. Note: The bill was replaced by a committee substitute and postponed indefinitely in June 2025, so it has not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 62 establishes a standardized procedure for New Mexico's Attorney General to issue civil investigative demands (CIDs) during civil investigations, directly affecting businesses or individuals who may be required to produce documents or tangible objects. The bill mandates that CIDs include specific details (such as the investigation's subject and required materials), must be kept confidential (not public record), and cannot demand unreasonable or privileged information. Recipients can challenge a CID in Santa Fe County District Court before the production deadline, and noncompliance may lead to court enforcement, including contempt charges. This procedure applies exclusively to civil investigations and explicitly excludes criminal prosecutions.

Maddy summaryHB 140 adds a formal definition of "hazardous waste constituent" to New Mexico's Hazardous Waste Act. This definition identifies specific chemicals meeting the hazardous waste criteria (per Section 74-4-3(K)) that the Environmental Improvement Board has determined require cleanup under the Act. The bill amends the board's duties to include identifying these constituents, ensuring consistent application of cleanup requirements. It directly affects the Environmental Improvement Board, waste handlers, and facilities managing hazardous substances by clarifying which materials trigger mandatory corrective actions. The change creates a standardized process but does not alter existing hazardous waste management rules.

Maddy summarySB 357, the Essential Services Development Act, enables the New Mexico state government to provide financial and technical support for infrastructure projects delivering internet, energy, water, and wastewater services primarily to residential areas. Local governments (cities, towns, counties) and regional government groups must first adopt a development plan detailing project goals, eligibility criteria, and review processes before receiving state assistance. The state’s Department of Finance and Administration will oversee the program, ensuring public funds are used appropriately and that new internet projects avoid duplicating existing federally compliant services. This act directly affects communities seeking to expand essential utility access, requiring structured planning but offering state support for qualifying residential infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summarySB 72 allows nonprofit condominium associations in New Mexico to conduct meetings and vote remotely using electronic means, such as video conferencing or email. It amends laws to permit electronic notice for meetings (with owner consent), count remote participation toward quorum requirements, and enable voting via remote electronic methods. This directly affects nonprofit condo associations and their members, making it easier for owners to participate without physical attendance. The bill updates meeting, quorum, and voting rules to explicitly include remote electronic participation as a valid option under association bylaws.

Maddy summaryHB 586 is a New Mexico legislative bill titled "PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE," sponsored by Representatives Szczepanski, Chandler, and Duhigg. The provided context does not include the bill's specific policy provisions or concrete changes, only its procedural status (passed by the House and Senate and signed into law). Without the bill text or summary detailing its content, no accurate description of its mechanisms, affected parties, or policy changes can be provided. The bill's title is broad and does not indicate specific provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 298 clarifies procedures for mayors and city councils in New Mexico municipalities operating under the mayor-council form of government. It requires city councils to fill mayoral vacancies within 15 days, limits mayors to voting only in tie-breaker situations, and mandates organizational meetings within 15-21 days after elections. The bill also requires council members to recuse themselves from votes with conflicts of interest and specifies that appointed city officials aren't subject to merit-system hiring rules. These changes affect mayors, city council members, and appointed city staff across New Mexico's mayor-council municipalities.