Rep. Gail Armstrong

Maddy summaryHB 10 establishes the Physician Assistant Licensure Interstate Compact, allowing physician assistants (PAs) licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses. It requires states to mutually recognize PAs' licenses and mandates that PAs practice under the jurisdiction of the state where the patient is located at the time of care. The compact specifically benefits military families by enabling active-duty personnel and their spouses to use their home state license in other participating states, while states retain authority to take disciplinary action against PAs for safety concerns. This eliminates licensing barriers for PAs working across state lines while maintaining patient safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 28) is a non-binding request to New Mexico's governor, asking them to formally opt the state into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. It does not create new state law but urges the governor to submit an "advance election" to the IRS, allowing New Mexico residents to claim federal tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations supporting K-12 students. The program, enacted by federal law, enables dollar-for-dollar tax credits for charitable contributions to scholarship-granting groups, with no cost to New Mexico’s state budget. The memorial emphasizes that delaying this decision could redirect private donations to other states, potentially reducing educational funding opportunities for New Mexico families.

Maddy summaryHB 12 establishes New Mexico's participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing physical therapists licensed in one participating state to practice in New Mexico without obtaining a separate license. The bill requires states to share disciplinary information, conduct federal background checks, and recognize licenses across member states, with practice always governed by the state where the patient is located. It directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines, military spouses relocating with service members, and state licensing boards managing cross-jurisdictional practice. Key provisions include mutual license recognition, standardized criminal background checks, and mechanisms for states to share investigative data to protect public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 44 (Dental & Dental Hygienist Compact) proposes to create a multi-state agreement allowing licensed dentists and dental hygienists from New Mexico to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It establishes a "compact privilege" that would let qualified professionals work temporarily in other member states, reducing duplicative licensing requirements. The bill also requires state and federal criminal background checks for license applicants, as amended in the Dental Health Care Act. This aims to improve access to dental care, address workforce shortages, and facilitate mobility for military members and their families. The bill is currently under review by the House Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees.

Maddy summaryHB 160 creates a new "All Cities and Counties Fund" in New Mexico's state treasury to distribute a portion of gross receipts tax revenue to municipalities (cities/towns) and counties. The bill requires 8% of eligible tax revenue to be transferred into this fund, with annual distributions calculated using a formula based on each municipality's or county's population and their share of state tax revenue. Transfers are scheduled to begin on November 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, directly affecting all cities and counties across New Mexico. The fund aims to provide ongoing financial support to local governments based on population data and tax contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 251 creates the New Homes Development Program under New Mexico's Mortgage Finance Authority to provide homebuyer assistance. It offers up to $10,000 per qualifying homebuyer to purchase a newly occupied home (with a certificate of occupancy issued within 12 months) through direct disbursement at the time of purchase. The program requires annual reporting starting in 2027 on grants awarded and program recommendations, and appropriates $30 million from the general fund for fiscal years 2027-2029, with unused funds reverting to the general fund by 2029. This directly affects first-time homebuyers meeting eligibility criteria who purchase recently built homes in New Mexico.

Maddy summaryHB 76 appropriates $10 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Health Care Authority for fiscal years 2027-2029 to fund alternative placements for youth in state custody. The bill directs funding toward developing services like residential treatment centers, crisis response teams, specialized foster care, and outpatient programs, aiming to replace group living (congregate care) with more tailored support. It directly affects youth in state custody - particularly older youth and those with higher needs - and the service providers who will deliver these alternatives. The funding expires in 2029, with unused balances reverting to the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution recognizes 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer in New Mexico, acknowledging the role of approximately 15,000 female farmers and ranchers who represent 41% of the state's agricultural producers according to the 2022 census. It honors their contributions to New Mexico's agricultural sector, which generates nearly $3 billion annually and supports rural communities. The resolution has no binding policy requirements or funding mechanisms, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryHB 99 clarifies definitions in New Mexico's Medical Malpractice Act and makes three key changes: it limits punitive damages in malpractice cases, clarifies who qualifies as a "health care provider" (including hospitals, outpatient facilities, and independent doctors), and requires payments from the Patient's Compensation Fund to be made as medical expenses are incurred rather than in lump sums. The bill directly affects health care providers (such as doctors, hospitals, and clinics), insurers, and patients filing malpractice claims. Key mechanisms include updating legal definitions to distinguish between hospital-controlled facilities and independent providers, capping punitive damages (though the exact amount isn't specified in the excerpt), and changing how compensation fund payments are processed. These changes aim to streamline claims handling while clarifying legal responsibilities for medical malpractice cases.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 48 designates February 4, 2026, as "Valencia County Day" in the New Mexico House of Representatives. This ceremonial resolution honors Valencia County's historical significance, cultural heritage, and economic contributions through its communities (including Belen, Los Lunas, Peralta, and Bosque Farms). It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the county's role in New Mexico's history, agriculture, transportation, and modern economic growth. The resolution directs the House to transmit copies to county officials and local mayors. As a memorial, it has no binding effect but serves as a symbolic tribute.