Rep. Tara Luján

Maddy summaryThis memorial requests New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to create a 14-member study group focused on accelerating the approval of community- and utility-scale renewable energy projects. The group will examine current permitting processes, identify ways to streamline reviews, and recommend improvements to support the state's clean energy goals while balancing environmental protections and public input. The study group will include representatives from state agencies, utilities, environmental organizations, tribal entities, and local governments, with a final report due by November 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 21 designates January 30, 2026, as "New Mexico Food and Farms Day" to honor individuals and organizations advancing local food systems and farm-to-table initiatives across the state. It specifically recognizes 2026 award recipients, including farmers' markets, sustainable food centers, young farmers, and land stewards, for their contributions to community food access and economic resilience. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of efforts to strengthen New Mexico's food system and end hunger.

Maddy summaryHB 270 requires employers working on most New Mexico public works construction projects to contribute to apprenticeship or training programs, or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund administered by the Workforce Solutions Department. The bill sets a zero contribution rate for trades without approved apprenticeship programs (such as certain street, highway, or utility projects), ensuring employers aren't required to pay if no local program exists. It amends existing law to clarify administration, compliance verification, and penalty enforcement for these contributions. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting public works contractors and the state's workforce development system.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends New Mexico's Public Employees Retirement Act to clarify disability and survivor pension rules, including removing inconsistencies in survivor pension calculations. It creates a disability review committee within the retirement board to handle disability retirement claims. The bill also allows state fire members and other eligible public safety workers (like police officers) to earn retirement service credit during approved workers' compensation leave if their employer continues paying both employee and employer pension contributions. Technical changes are made to service credit purchase and reinstatement procedures for members.

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 438 requires New Mexico state and local government employees to receive payment for unused compensatory leave (time off earned through overtime) at the end of each calendar year. It directly affects public sector workers covered by state or local government employment. The bill mandates annual payment of the full value of unused compensatory leave, rather than carrying it forward. This provision does not apply to employees covered by existing collective bargaining agreements under the Public Employee Bargaining Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special $40 million escrow fund using money from New Mexico's tobacco settlement to support the establishment of a new Santa Fe College of Osteopathic Medicine. The fund, held until the college graduates its first class and achieves full accreditation (or by July 1, 2032), requires the college to annually report student data like applications, acceptances, graduation rates, and residency placements. The funds are transferred from the tobacco settlement permanent fund to this new account on July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the new medical college and its operations, with no other entities or policies mentioned as being directly impacted.

Maddy summaryHB 59, the Earned Wage Access Services Act, creates a licensing system for companies that offer workers early access to earned but unpaid wages (like salary or hourly pay not yet paid by an employer). It requires these providers to obtain a license from New Mexico's Financial Institutions Division, with exemptions for banks, credit unions, and employers offering direct advances. The law defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" and clarifies that these services are not loans or money transmission. This directly affects workers using such services and the businesses providing them, establishing rules for licensing, fees, and provider conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 229 allocates $430,000 from the state general fund to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the "NM-GROWN Approved Supplier Program" in fiscal year 2026. The program aims to support local agricultural suppliers by promoting New Mexico-grown products, directly benefiting state farmers and producers who qualify as approved suppliers. Funds must be spent by the end of fiscal year 2026, with any unspent balance reverting to the state general fund. The bill was referred to committees, passed committee approval, but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, preventing its enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 160 requires drivers approaching railroad crossings to "stop, look, and listen" for all rail equipment - including maintenance vehicles and switching cars - not just trains. It amends New Mexico traffic laws to mandate stopping 15-50 feet from the tracks when approaching a crossing if any rail equipment is visible, audible, or blocking the path. This applies to all drivers (Section 66-7-341) and specifically reinforces safety steps for commercial vehicles carrying passengers, hazardous materials, or school buses (Section 66-7-343). The bill expands existing rules to address non-train rail equipment, with exceptions for crossings with active traffic control or official exemptions. The law aims to reduce crossing collisions by requiring proactive observation of all rail traffic.