Rep. Matthew McQueen

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit New Mexico's regular legislative sessions to 45 days (down from 60 in odd years) and remove restrictions on bills considered during even-numbered years. It also allows veto overrides for bills from any session type (regular, special, or extraordinary) within the same two-year legislative cycle. The bill directly affects how the state legislature operates by changing session length rules and veto override procedures. If approved by voters, it would require constitutional changes to the state's governing structure. (Note: The bill passed the House in February 2025 but was postponed in the Senate in June 2025.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 1) is a procedural rule change for the New Mexico legislature. It directly affects all state legislators by limiting each member to introducing or serving as lead sponsor on no more than five bills per legislative session. The key provision amends joint rules to set this five-bill cap for both bill introductions (Rule 10-1 D) and lead sponsorships (Rule 11-1 C), while maintaining exceptions for budget bills and governor-requested legislation. The change aims to streamline the legislative process by reducing the number of bills each member can formally initiate.

Maddy summaryHB 608 has no substantive provisions documented in the provided context. The bill title ("PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE") and committee actions (postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025) are listed, but no specific policy language, mechanisms, or affected parties are described. Without bill text or a summary of its content, no factual description of its provisions or impact can be provided. This appears to be a procedural bill with no active legislative details available in the current context.

Maddy summarySB 85 updates New Mexico's campaign finance rules to require more detailed reporting of contributions and expenditures. It mandates disclosure of electronic communications related to campaigns, standardizes reporting for all contributions of $1,000 or more (including during legislative session fundraising bans), and prohibits using campaign funds to repay candidate loans with interest. The bill directly affects candidates, campaign committees, and political committees by tightening transparency requirements for donations and spending. The measure passed the Senate in February 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the House in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 435 requires New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission to create rules for permitting renewable energy projects (like solar or wind facilities) and storage/transmission sites exceeding five megawatts. The rules must include public and local government input, assess community impacts on health, safety, and welfare, and address scenic, cultural, and environmental effects. This bill directly affects developers of larger renewable energy projects by establishing a new siting process before construction begins. The rules apply to projects not yet approved when the rules take effect, but the bill was postponed indefinitely in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 258 requires oil and gas operators in New Mexico to capture at least 98% of natural gas produced or gathered by their facilities starting January 1, 2027, directly affecting operators of oil/gas wells and natural gas gathering systems. The bill allows exceptions for gas released during emergencies, beneficially used by operators, or vented due to specific operational needs (like nitrogen/hydrogen sulfide impurities or exploratory wells). Operators must meet this capture rate annually, with the state division creating implementing rules. The bill was referred to committees and passed amendments but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 284 amends New Mexico's Livestock Code to establish a new framework for managing free-roaming horses. It creates a "free-roaming horse expert" designation requiring approval by the New Mexico Livestock Board, allowing these experts to use fertility control, relocation, or adoption to manage horse populations on certain lands. The bill prohibits the slaughter or export for slaughter of free-roaming horses and mandates that facilities caring for rescued horses must register with the Livestock Board and meet specific health, safety, and staffing standards. These provisions directly affect ranchers, land managers, and equine rescue organizations by standardizing horse population management and care requirements.

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 23 changes the royalty rate for future oil and gas leases on certain New Mexico state trust lands. It amends lease terms to set a new royalty rate for "Premium" lands issued on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting oil and gas companies leasing these lands and increasing revenue for trust beneficiaries (like schools and hospitals). The key provision requires lessees to pay this new rate in addition to the existing lease terms for all new development leases on designated trust lands. This policy change specifically targets future leases, not existing ones, to boost state trust land revenue.

Maddy summarySB 37 creates the Strategic Water Reserve Fund in New Mexico's state treasury, administered by the Interstate Stream Commission. The fund finances water management projects focused on aquifer recharge, reducing groundwater depletion, and supporting endangered species habitat - directly affecting state agencies, water users, and communities in water-stressed basins. Key mechanisms include prioritizing water transactions that offer "supplementary benefits" (like cultural practices or habitat improvement), requiring community input from tribes, counties, and water districts during planning, and limiting aquifer recharge spending to 25% of annual fund use. The bill prohibits acquiring water from acequias or irrigation districts without specific agreements and mandates that all water purchases match market value, with unspent balances over $15 million reverting to the general fund.