Rep. Tara Luján

Maddy summaryHB 503 would require that parents participating in New Mexico's domestic relations mediation programs (for cases involving children) have the right to be represented by an attorney during all mediation-related sessions, including advisory consultations, priority consultations, evaluations, and mediation itself. This bill directly affects parents involved in court-ordered child-related mediation, ensuring they can have legal counsel present throughout the process. The key provision amends existing law to mandate this right, replacing previous language that did not explicitly guarantee attorney presence. The bill passed committee approval in March 2025 but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and has not advanced further.

Maddy summaryHB 32 allows New Mexico public school districts to replace diesel school buses with electric or zero-emission alternatives during their standard 12-year replacement cycle. The bill requires the state to provide funding for these electric buses and charging infrastructure, covering the full cost if districts secure less than half their funding from non-state sources. It also permits school districts to use idle electric buses as mobile energy storage - supplying grid services or reducing school electricity demand during emergencies - through agreements with utilities. The policy directly affects all New Mexico public school districts and utilities managing grid services.

Maddy summaryHB 440 restricts homeowners associations (HOAs) from foreclosing on liens for small delinquencies or fines. Specifically, it prohibits HOAs from foreclosing if: (1) the delinquency is less than 12 months, (2) the amount owed is under $5,000, or (3) the lien consists solely of fines (not regular assessments). The bill directly affects homeowners who might face HOA foreclosure for minor unpaid dues or fines. It modifies state law to limit HOA foreclosure power while allowing associations to collect regular assessments through standard lien processes.

Maddy summaryHB 367 increases the required live race days for racetracks to maintain their gaming licenses. Racetracks paying $8 million or less in gaming taxes last year must host at least 15 weeks of racing with three live race days per week (minimum 10 races daily). Racetracks paying over $8 million must host 15 weeks with four live race days per week (minimum nine races daily). This bill directly affects licensed racetracks in New Mexico by adjusting their operational requirements for license renewal. The change modifies Section 60-1A-2 of the Horse Racing Act to update these minimums.

Maddy summaryHB 289 establishes a Geothermal Projects Development Fund in New Mexico's state treasury with a $20 million appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. The fund provides grants of up to $250,000 to cover study costs or financing for approved geothermal projects, primarily for political subdivisions, state universities, or tribal nations (with secretary approval). Grants require project approval by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources secretary and do not exempt projects from standard environmental or land-use permits. The fund requires annual reports tracking grant usage, project status, and fund balances to the governor and legislature. This bill directly supports entities developing geothermal energy within New Mexico's regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryThis memorial (HM 56) designates May as "National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month" in New Mexico. It requests the New Mexico Department of Health to collaborate with health organizations to improve awareness, education, and access to screening for prenatal and perinatal depression and related mood disorders. The resolution directs the health department to explore using screening tools and enhance access to treatment, support services, and community resources. It applies to all women and teenage girls in New Mexico affected by maternal mental health issues, which impact 10-20% of new and expectant mothers. This is a symbolic resolution, not a law, and focuses on raising awareness and improving health system coordination.

Maddy summaryHB 91 amends New Mexico's public utility law to allow utilities to propose new rate structures for specific purposes. It specifically permits the Public Regulation Commission to approve rates designed for economic development, retaining existing customers, reducing energy costs for low-income households, decreasing outstanding bills (arrears), and increasing payment frequency to improve service continuity. These changes directly affect utilities (like electricity and gas providers) and low-income customers who may benefit from more affordable service options. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and was signed into law after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 120, the "Accessibility Act," requires all New Mexico state agencies to make their websites, mobile apps, and physical facilities compliant with digital (WCAG 2.1 AA) and physical (ADA) accessibility standards by April 2026. It creates an Office of Accessibility within the governor’s commission on disability to enforce these standards, provide training, and oversee agency compliance through regular reports. The bill directly affects people with disabilities by ensuring equal access to state services and empowers individuals to file lawsuits against non-compliant agencies. The bill passed both legislative chambers in March 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on April 11, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 291 amends New Mexico's Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act to formally establish a "circular economy" framework. It requires the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt rules for public submissions and decide within 60 days whether to hold hearings on proposed rules. The bill creates a statewide "recycling, circular economy and illegal dumping alliance" involving cities, counties, tribes, state agencies, and private businesses to coordinate recycling efforts and foster sustainable resource use. Key provisions include renaming the act to explicitly include "circular economy" and mandating the alliance to develop strategies for reusing materials like tires, e-waste, and construction debris, aiming to reduce waste and support economic development.

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.