Rep. Reena Szczepanski

Maddy summaryHB 263, the Hospital Price Transparency Act, requires all New Mexico hospitals to publicly post detailed pricing information online. Hospitals must provide a machine-readable digital file showing standard charges (including gross rates, average negotiated rates with insurers, and cash prices) for all services, plus a consumer-friendly list of at least 300 "shoppable" services (like MRIs or lab tests), including the 70 services mandated by federal Medicare. This directly affects hospitals by mandating transparency on costs for both insured and self-pay patients, with penalties for non-compliance including restrictions on debt collection actions during violations. The bill aims to give consumers clear, accessible pricing data to make informed healthcare decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 587 is a placeholder bill title for "PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE" with no substantive policy provisions detailed in the provided text. The bill was referred to the House Rules and Order of Business Committee but was never printed and was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025. No specific mechanisms, affected groups, or concrete policy changes are described, as the bill did not advance beyond initial committee referral. This appears to be a procedural placeholder rather than a bill with defined legislative content.

Maddy summaryHB 109 creates a $12 million Extreme Weather Resilience Fund in New Mexico's state treasury, funded by a transfer from the general fund. The fund provides grants of up to $1 million to local governments and tribes (including pueblos) to prepare for and respond to climate-related public health emergencies. Priority is given to projects benefiting low-income communities, integrating with existing climate plans, and involving tribal health councils in planning. At least half of the funds must support communities with populations of 100,000 or fewer, as defined by the latest federal census.

Maddy summaryHB 230 clarifies when employers in New Mexico can test medical cannabis patients for impairment and protects these employees from unfair treatment. It bans random cannabis testing and requires employers to have reasonable suspicion of impairment (e.g., after an accident or during work hours) before testing. Employers must use a medical review officer to interpret positive tests and cannot penalize employees solely for medical cannabis use or presence of metabolites. The bill also requires the Health and Workforce Solutions Departments to create evidence-based guidelines for assessing impairment, though safety-sensitive roles (like transportation) may still have separate rules.

Maddy summaryHB 129 reduces the probation period for New Mexico state public employees from one year to 180 days. It directly affects all state employees hired into classified positions, changing their initial probationary requirement. The bill also prohibits requiring additional probation if an employee transfers to a different state service assignment. This change amends Section 10-9-13 of New Mexico's Personnel Act, specifically modifying the probation duration and transfer rules. The legislation passed the House in February 2025 but was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate New Mexico's "pocket veto" power, meaning bills passed by the legislature automatically become law if the governor fails to act within three days (excluding Sundays). It also requires the governor to provide written explanations for any veto, whether partial or complete. This directly affects the governor and legislature by increasing legislative accountability and transparency in the veto process. The amendment would take effect only after voter approval at the next general election.

Maddy summarySB 48 creates a $340 million Community Benefit Fund in New Mexico’s state treasury, funded by a transfer from the general fund. The fund finances projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (with specific standards for buildings and methane leaks), modernize the electric grid, expand renewable energy, reduce combustion vehicle use, address climate impacts, support electric vehicle infrastructure, and develop economic opportunities tied to climate transition. Projects must include community engagement with overburdened communities (e.g., two public meetings or a negotiated agreement) and prioritize worker training for emerging climate-related industries. The fund requires annual progress reports to legislative committees, with spending focused on measurable environmental and economic outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 124 amends New Mexico's Insurance Code to grant the Superintendent of Insurance the explicit authority to issue civil investigative subpoenas during examinations or investigations of potential insurance code violations. This change allows the Superintendent (or designated staff) to compel testimony or document production from individuals or entities under investigation, without first issuing a notice of contemplated action. The bill also clarifies that failure to comply with such a subpoena can be enforced through a court order in district court. This directly affects insurance companies, agents, and other entities subject to the Superintendent's oversight during regulatory investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 6 requires contractors working on municipal or county projects funded by industrial revenue bonds to pay workers the local prevailing wage and benefits, directly affecting construction workers on these projects over $60,000. It mandates that wage rates be based on collective bargaining agreements for similar work in the area, with the director determining rates annually by October 1. The law requires contractors to post wage rates publicly, withhold payments if underpaid, and allows workers to file complaints for unpaid wages, with investigations completed within 75 days. This amendment to New Mexico’s Public Works Minimum Wage Act ensures fair pay standards for workers on publicly funded construction projects.

Maddy summaryHB 128 establishes a $60 million Local Solar Access Fund within New Mexico's Finance Authority to provide grants for solar energy systems. The fund supports eligible entities like counties, municipalities, school districts, and tribal nations in planning, installing, and upgrading solar systems for public buildings and infrastructure. Grants prioritize projects in rural areas, low-income communities, and those serving community services or emergency needs, with rules requiring transparency in allocation. The fund’s money does not revert to the general fund annually, ensuring ongoing support for solar initiatives.