Rep. Reena Szczepanski

Maddy summaryHB 4 adjusts how funds from New Mexico's health insurance premium surtax are distributed to the Health Care Affordability Fund. It changes the percentage of surtax revenue sent to the fund over time: 55% before July 2024, 30% from July 2024 to September 2025, 55% from September 2025 to September 2026, and 100% after September 2026. The bill directly affects the allocation of state revenue generated by the health insurance surtax, which supports healthcare affordability programs. This policy change modifies existing distribution rules without altering the surtax rate itself. The fund's purpose is to assist New Mexicans with healthcare costs, though the bill does not specify new eligibility criteria or program expansions.

Maddy summaryHB 128 presumes that certain cancers and health conditions diagnosed after specific employment periods are caused by firefighting work, directly affecting full-time non-volunteer firefighters in New Mexico. It lists 17 cancer types (like bladder, breast, lung, and leukemia) that are presumed work-related after 5-15 years of service, along with infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis) and PTSD requiring physical impairment. The bill shifts the burden of proof: employers must rebut these presumptions with evidence showing non-work causes, and medical treatment for covered conditions must be provided as if work-related. This aims to streamline access to workers' compensation for firefighters facing job-linked health issues without requiring them to prove causation in court.

Maddy summarySB 21 requires New Mexico Medicare supplement insurers to offer annual open enrollment periods for seniors. It directly affects residents aged 65+ with Medicare supplement policies (Medigap) in New Mexico. The bill mandates that each eligible policyholder receives a 60-day enrollment window starting the first day of their birthday month, during which they can switch to policies of equal or lesser value without health-based denial, discrimination, or preexisting condition exclusions. Insurers must also notify policyholders 30-60 days before the window opens about their rights and policy changes.

Maddy summarySJR 7 is a joint resolution ratifying an exchange of property between the New Mexico General Services Department and the City of Santa Fe. It approves the state giving up five parcels of land (totaling ~19 acres) in Santa Fe's midtown area (valued at $6.5 million) for one city-owned parcel (34.97 acres) at 4491 Cerrillos Road. This exchange requires legislative approval under state law (NMSA 1978 §13-6-3) because the state property's value exceeds $550,000. The resolution was signed into law on February 27, 2026, after passing the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 1, titled "FEED BILL," is a procedural appropriations bill that funds the operational expenses of the New Mexico Legislature for its 2026 second session. It allocates $7.24 million for member per diems, salaries, mileage, printing, and other legislative costs (including $13.2 million for district staff support), and $12.8 million for the Legislative Council Service. The bill does not create new policies or affect citizens; it solely provides funding for the legislature’s internal operations. (Note: "FEED BILL" appears to be a misnomer for this appropriations measure.)

Maddy summaryHB 2 creates a state Health Care Affordability Fund to lower health insurance costs for New Mexicans. It provides premium subsidies for residents purchasing coverage through New Mexico's health insurance exchange (with priority for those earning under 200% of the federal poverty level) and for small businesses. The fund also covers part of premiums for state employees earning $50,000 or less and New Mexico National Guard members. If federal health care laws change to reduce coverage, the fund can maintain access to affordable plans for low-income residents.

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 17 creates a 9-member commission to study factors driving high grocery costs in New Mexico, focusing on essential items like milk, eggs, produce, and bread. The commission must evaluate supply chains, price gouging laws, local food production support, and federal trade impacts, then submit specific recommendations by November 15, 2025. It is funded with $400,000 from the general fund to conduct this study, with members required to represent diverse backgrounds and expertise. The bill does not enact new laws but mandates a report to guide future policy.

Maddy summaryHB 108 creates a new statewide public health and climate program within New Mexico's Department of Health, requiring it to launch by January 2026. The program directs the Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau to improve collaboration on health equity and climate adaptation, help communities develop resilience plans, provide climate and health expertise to local councils, and prioritize engagement with communities most impacted by extreme weather. It appropriates $1.1 million from the general fund for the program in fiscal year 2026, with unspent funds reverting to the state treasury. The bill directly affects the Department of Health, local public health councils, tribal communities, and residents in areas vulnerable to climate impacts.

Maddy summarySB 14, the Health Care Consolidation & Transparency Act, requires state oversight of hospital and health care entity mergers, acquisitions, and affiliations in New Mexico. It mandates preliminary and comprehensive reviews by the health care authority before such transactions can proceed, with options for approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval. The bill limits confidentiality around these deals, protects whistleblowers reporting violations, and defines key terms like "health care entity" (covering hospitals, telemedicine providers, and staffing companies). It directly affects hospitals, health insurers, and private equity firms involved in buying or merging health care organizations within the state. The law aims to increase transparency and prevent anti-competitive consolidation in New Mexico's health care market.