Rep. John Block

Maddy summaryHB 483 would prevent local governments and state agencies from banning or restricting grocery stores from providing plastic bags to customers. It directly affects grocery stores (by prohibiting restrictions on their bag use) and local governments (by blocking ordinances that limit plastic bags). The bill defines plastic bags broadly as any bag made from synthetic material (including plant-based options) used for carrying groceries at checkout. The legislation was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it did not advance further. This bill would effectively block existing or future local plastic bag restrictions across New Mexico.

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes impeaching New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for allegedly violating constitutional rights. It claims her September 2023 executive order and related public health order - which banned firearm carrying in certain areas - violated both New Mexico's constitution (Article 2, Section 6) and the U.S. Second Amendment. The resolution lists eight specific "articles" of impeachment, arguing the governor abused power by using public health emergency authority to restrict gun rights and coerce local governments. As a procedural resolution, it initiates impeachment proceedings (requiring a House vote and Senate trial), but has been referred to committees and postponed indefinitely.

Maddy summaryHB 170 requires New Mexico voters to present identification at polling places and when requesting mail ballots. It allows voters to use photo IDs, utility bills, or other government documents (including tribal IDs) instead of a driver's license for in-person voting, while requiring a driver's license or MVD ID plus Social Security number for mail ballots. The bill mandates the Motor Vehicle Division to issue free voter ID cards and provides free copies of ID documents at government offices. This directly affects all New Mexico voters participating in person or by mail, changing current voting requirements.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace New Mexico's current public education governance structure. It creates a new State Board of Education to set school policies, manage public school finances, and appoint a superintendent, while retaining the Public Education Commission as the chartering authority for state-chartered charter schools. The amendment specifies that both the Board and Commission will have ten elected members serving staggered four-year terms in district-based elections, with the first elections held in 2028. This change requires voter approval at the next general election.

Maddy summaryHB 45 would impose a 3.75% tax on electricity generated from renewable sources (like solar, wind, or biomass) in New Mexico, calculated based on the monthly wholesale market price. This tax applies to commercial renewable energy facilities but exempts government entities, tribal lands, and small-scale personal use (under 500 kWh/day). Revenue from the tax would be directed to the Severance Tax Permanent Fund, as specified in the bill’s amendments to existing tax laws. The legislation aims to create a dedicated funding stream for renewable energy projects through a market-based tax on electricity generation.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "family in need of court-ordered services" to include two new scenarios: children alleged to be involved in acts that would be prostitution if committed by adults, and children identified as victims of human trafficking. It adds these situations to the list where court intervention may be necessary for child welfare. The bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund to help courts implement this expansion, with unused funds reverting to the general fund by 2026. This directly affects children in these specific circumstances and the child welfare system, requiring courts to consider these cases under the updated definition starting July 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow New Mexico voters to initiate the recall of elected state officials in the executive or legislative branches through a petition process. To trigger a recall, voters must collect signatures from at least 25% of the people who voted in the last election for that office within 90 days (for district-level offices) or 180 days (for statewide offices). If validated, a special election is held within 90 days to vote on removal, with a majority "yes" vote resulting in the official's removal and the top candidate for the office taking over for the remainder of the term. This would apply to positions like governors, legislators, and other constitutionally created offices, with restrictions on timing and multiple recalls per term.

Maddy summaryHB 451 creates a new misdemeanor offense for adults (18+) who intentionally expose their genital area to a child (under 18) in a private setting, defined as "indecent exposure to a child out of public view." It specifically prohibits lewd or lascivious exposure of the genital area (including penis, vagina, or surrounding areas) when the adult and child are not in a public space. The bill makes this a misdemeanor, applies retroactively to past incidents (even if statutes of limitations had expired), and defines key terms like "child" and "primary genital area." The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the legislature in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 275 would establish a 0% flat individual income tax rate for New Mexico residents, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. The bill eliminates the requirement for residents to file personal income tax returns (though filing remains optional), modifying existing tax code sections to remove all tax brackets and filing obligations. It directly affects all New Mexico residents who currently file state income tax returns, including individuals, married couples, and heads of household. The key provision replaces all existing tax brackets with a zero tax rate and removes the mandatory filing requirement under Section 7-2-12. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 566 exempts certain law enforcement personnel from New Mexico's standard 7-day firearm waiting period. It specifically applies to active certified law enforcement officers, former/retired officers, commissioned officers with arrest powers, and tribal law enforcement officers who are not disqualified from firearm possession. The bill amends existing law to remove the waiting period requirement for these individuals when purchasing firearms, while maintaining the 7-day waiting period for all other buyers. This change directly affects qualified law enforcement personnel during firearm purchases, without altering the general waiting period for the public.