Rep. Andrea Romero

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 59 requests the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department to study fair compensation for foster parents, including a cost-of-living allowance. The study will examine personal expenses foster parents incur while caring for children in state custody and determine appropriate compensation levels. The department must report findings and recommendations to the legislative health and human services committee by November 30, 2026. This memorial does not change current compensation but initiates a formal review process.

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 The task force will address systemic issues like outdated law enforcement training, inconsistent case data reporting, high staff turnover, and frequent case dismissals that impact public safety and equal justice.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 summaryHR 1 is a procedural resolution creating a special House committee to investigate allegations related to "Zorro ranch," a private estate in Santa Fe County. The committee, composed of two members from each major party, will examine claims of criminal activity and public corruption connected to the property, with authority to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and issue reports. It must complete its work by December 31, 2026, submitting interim and final reports detailing findings and recommendations on legislative action. The resolution directly affects state oversight procedures but does not enact new laws or policies.

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 summarySB 43 changes New Mexico's parole process for inmates sentenced to life imprisonment. It requires the parole board to prioritize an inmate's risk level, participation in rehabilitation programs, and readiness to rejoin society when considering release, while also weighing offense details and victim impact. The bill sets a minimum five-year parole period for life sentences (unless reduced for public safety) and mandates a written parole plan and signed conditions of release before an inmate can be freed. Additionally, it updates compensation rules for parole board members and hearing scheduling procedures.

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 summaryHM 40 (House Memorial 40) is a symbolic resolution declaring February 2, 2026, as "Mexican American Chicano Heritage Day" within the New Mexico House of Representatives. It directly honors New Mexico's Mexican American and Chicano communities by recognizing the historical significance of the February 2, 1848, Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which shaped their identity and cultural heritage. The resolution aims to foster unity and promote understanding of the Chicano movement's contributions to New Mexico's history, culture, and society. As a ceremonial memorial (not a law), it has no binding effect but serves to acknowledge these communities' legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, prohibits New Mexico state and local government entities - including sheriffs' departments, schools, and public agencies - from entering into agreements or using public property to detain individuals for federal immigration enforcement. It requires existing agreements facilitating such detentions to be terminated upon the law's effective date. The bill specifically bans public bodies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on detention and ensures local policies align with these restrictions. Currently passed by both legislative chambers, it awaits the governor's signature to become law.

Maddy summaryHB 346 bans the sale, possession, advertising, or marketing of semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids (like synthetic marijuana products) in New Mexico. It requires the Environmental Improvement Board to create rules regulating hemp-derived products sold to consumers, including setting THC limits (no more than 0.3% or federal limits, whichever is higher). The bill affects hemp retailers, manufacturers, and consumers by mandating compliance with these new regulations for products like edibles and vape cartridges containing hemp extracts. It also clarifies that hemp products meeting THC limits are exempt from certain food safety laws.

Maddy summaryHB 215 prohibits landlords and property owners from using artificial intelligence tools to coordinate rent pricing across multiple properties. It bans services that analyze rental data (like historical prices or lease terms) from multiple landlords to recommend similar rent increases or manipulate market competition. The bill also allows tenants harmed by such coordinated pricing to sue in court. This directly affects rental property owners using AI-driven pricing tools and tenants facing artificially inflated rents due to anti-competitive practices.