Rep. Andrea Romero

Maddy summaryThis memorial (HM 40) requests the New Mexico Legislative Council to form a 7-member study group to examine whether creating a state Office of Peace is feasible. The group, appointed by the University of New Mexico School of Law, would include experts from peace-building, restorative justice, education, military/law enforcement, legal studies, labor, and community relations. The study must be completed by November 2025, with findings and recommendations submitted to the legislature. It does not create the office but assesses its potential impact on conflict resolution and safety efforts across New Mexico.

Maddy summaryHB 310 prohibits landfilling of electric vehicle batteries in New Mexico and requires end-of-life batteries to be managed through a hierarchy prioritizing reuse, repair, remanufacturing, or repurposing before recycling. Battery providers (including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) are responsible for end-of-life management unless a secondary handler or user modifies the battery, in which case that entity becomes responsible. The bill defines key terms like "secondary handler" (entities that sort or prepare batteries for reuse) and "specialized battery recycler" (facilities authorized to extract materials), and restricts commercial haulers and solid waste facilities from accepting batteries for disposal. This directly affects battery sellers, recyclers, and waste management facilities by mandating specific handling procedures for electric vehicle batteries.

Maddy summaryHJM 4 is a Joint Memorial requesting the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology to study direct air capture (DAC) technology's benefits, costs, and potential for industry development in New Mexico. The study would evaluate how to facilitate DAC through statutory and regulatory changes, focusing on economic opportunities like job creation and climate action. It does not create new law but asks the institute to report recommendations to the legislature by 2026. This procedural request aims to support DAC development using New Mexico's geologic and resource advantages.

Maddy summaryHB 511 creates a tax credit for businesses renovating qualifying retail centers in New Mexico, offering a 10% credit on renovation costs (up to $1.5 million per project). It applies to projects renovating at least 50% of a retail center's square footage, including construction, energy efficiency upgrades, and accessibility improvements, provided the center has three or more retail businesses and meets zoning requirements. The credit is capped at $15 million total per year across all claims, with businesses required to apply for certification within one year of project completion. This policy directly supports retail property owners and developers seeking to revitalize commercial spaces through tax incentives.

Maddy summaryHB 339 bans housing discrimination based on a tenant's "source of income," such as housing vouchers, Social Security, or government assistance programs. It prohibits landlords from rejecting applicants or using unfair income verification methods (like refusing certain types of benefits) as a reason for denial. The law applies directly to housing providers (landlords, rental agencies) and applicants using government assistance, including housing vouchers paid directly to landlords. Enforcement for these specific housing discrimination cases will be handled by the New Mexico Attorney General, not the Human Rights Commission.

Maddy summaryThis New Mexico bill amends zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs, like backyard cottages) on residential lots and permits multifamily housing (such as duplexes) in commercial areas near transit stops. It requires local governments to permit at least one ADU per residential lot (up to 1,000 sq ft, with specific setbacks), prohibits owner-occupancy rules or extra fees for ADUs, and allows multifamily housing within a quarter-mile of transit hubs or in commercial zones. Homeowners, developers, and local governments are directly affected as they must adjust to these new zoning standards. The law aims to increase housing options by expanding permitted development types without requiring new zoning changes.

Maddy summaryHB 169, the Public Expression Protection Act, creates a legal shield to dismiss civil lawsuits targeting speech on public issues by allowing defendants to file a "special motion" within 60 days of being sued, which pauses all other legal proceedings until the motion is resolved. The law applies to communications in government proceedings, speech on public matters, or exercise of free speech rights, but excludes government employees acting officially, public safety enforcement, and business sales communications (while protecting creative works like journalism). If the court rules the speech is protected and the plaintiff fails to show the law doesn’t apply, the case is dismissed without trial. This bill directly affects individuals, journalists, activists, and organizations engaging in public discourse by making it easier to end lawsuits that could suppress such speech.

Maddy summaryHB 290, the Vibrant Communities Act, creates a state program to provide public funding (grants or leases) to 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(12 nonprofits for community projects addressing public health, safety, or welfare. Qualifying nonprofits must apply annually, detailing how projects align with local priorities and demonstrating community need. The Department of Finance and Administration administers the program, requiring contracts that include compliance with laws, ongoing reporting, and provisions for recapturing funds if projects fail to meet public purpose goals. This legislation directly affects nonprofits serving community needs and requires legislative approval for each funded project.

Maddy summaryHB 307, the Internet Privacy & Safety Act, requires online service companies operating in New Mexico to limit how they collect, use, and share consumer data. It prohibits selling or sharing personal data without explicit consent, bans deceptive "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing data, and creates new rights for consumers to access or correct their information. The law specifically protects minors by restricting data collection based on age or children-focused features. It also prevents companies from denying service to users who exercise their privacy rights or from waiving those protections. The bill applies to for-profit entities offering online services to New Mexico residents, including those handling biometric data or using targeted advertising.

Maddy summarySB 279, the Gas-Operated Semiautomatic Firearms Exclusion Act, bans the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of gas-operated semiautomatic firearms (those using gas pressure to cycle ammunition), large-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds), and rapid-fire devices that increase firing speed. It takes effect July 1, 2025, for new transactions and January 1, 2026, for possession, directly affecting firearm owners and dealers in New Mexico. The bill requires the Attorney General to maintain a list of prohibited firearms and allows exceptions for pre-2025 firearms certified by owners before January 1, 2026, or for government use. It does not affect non-gas-operated semiautomatic firearms or devices designed for .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.