Rep. Jon Henry

Maddy summaryHB 80 increases funding for New Mexico's Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund by raising the tax distribution percentage from 2/19% to 50% starting July 2027, gradually increasing to 100% through 2037 before returning to 50% after 2037. The bill directly affects oil and gas operators (through higher tax contributions) and the state's energy department (which administers the fund). Key provisions include expanding fund use to cover energy education programs ($150,000 annually) and requiring the department to plug abandoned wells, restore sites, and pursue cost recovery from operators. Funds will be managed under the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department with annual reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 332 criminalizes unlawful squatting in New Mexico as a fourth-degree felony, making it illegal for someone to reside on another's property without permission. Property owners can seek doubled damages for injury to property caused by squatters and receive a citation process that gives alleged squatters three business days to contest it with proof like leases or deeds. The bill requires law enforcement to provide a 3-day notice before removal, allowing squatters to submit counter affidavits claiming legal possession, which may lead to a court trial to determine rightful ownership. If a court rules for the property owner, it can award rent value for the occupancy period and other monetary relief.

Maddy summaryHB 324 would create a new program in New Mexico allowing school tuition organizations to provide scholarships to low-income students for private school attendance, while offering tax credits to donors. It directly affects eligible low-income students (defined as those meeting federal lunch program income thresholds and previously attending public or home schools), private schools in New Mexico, and nonprofit organizations administering the scholarships. Key provisions include requiring organizations to allocate at least 90% of donations to scholarships, prohibiting donor-designated students, mandating annual public reporting of scholarship details, and establishing individual and corporate income tax credits for contributing to these programs. The bill also sets strict audit requirements for larger organizations and defines "eligible students" to maintain eligibility through graduation or age 21.

Maddy summaryHB 327 would redefine "renewable energy" in New Mexico law to include natural gas power plants using combined cycle technology. It amends the Rural Electric Cooperative Act and Renewable Energy Act to allow these natural gas facilities to count toward renewable energy requirements for rural electric cooperatives and public utilities. The bill specifies that natural gas qualifies only under this definition, while excluding other fossil fuels, and requires facilities to meet zero life-cycle carbon emissions standards. This change would directly affect how utilities in New Mexico meet their renewable energy targets without altering the overall percentage requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 273 amends New Mexico's Renewable Energy Act and Rural Electric Cooperative Act to redefine "renewable energy resource" to include natural gas used in combined cycle technology. This change would allow rural electric cooperatives and public utilities to count natural gas power generation toward their renewable energy requirements. The bill adds natural gas to the list of qualifying resources alongside solar, wind, and geothermal, without requiring additional emissions criteria for this category. The bill passed committee but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025. It does not alter the existing "zero carbon" standards for other resources like biomass or hydropower.

Maddy summaryHB 501 requires New Mexico public school employees to immediately report to a school administrator if a student expresses gender incongruence (a difference between biological sex and perceived gender) or requests social affirmation or transition support at school. The school administrator must then notify the student's parent and obtain their written permission to develop a response plan, which may include counseling and parental involvement. The bill defines key terms and mandates parental consent before schools implement any formal response for students with gender incongruence. It does not restrict student gender expression but establishes a reporting and parental notification process. The bill is currently pending in committee as of June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 545 creates a 50% income tax credit for New Mexico residents who pay gas or electric bills for their primary home, directly benefiting low-to-moderate income households. The credit allows taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability by half the amount paid for utility services to their primary residence, with any unused credit refunded. Eligibility requires certification from the Public Regulation Commission, and married couples filing separately can claim only half the credit they would receive on a joint return. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and must be claimed within one year of receiving certification.

Maddy summaryHB 388 creates a state-funded program providing financial accounts for low-income students in New Mexico to cover education expenses at private schools or approved services. Eligible students must be New Mexico residents, not yet graduated from high school, and have household income under 200% of the federal poverty level. The state deposits monthly funds into these accounts - equal to the average public school spending per grade - to pay for private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, assessments, and transportation, but not exceeding actual costs. Unspent funds remain in the account until graduation, withdrawal, or after two years (with possible extensions), after which they revert to the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 472 creates a corporate income tax credit for businesses rehabilitating abandoned buildings in New Mexico. Taxpayers can claim a 25% credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses (up to $700,000 per project), subject to pre-certification by the Economic Development Department and a $20 million annual cap on total credits. The credit requires projects to meet specific cost thresholds (80%-125% of estimated expenses) and must be certified within one year of completion. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to five years, and credits can be transferred to other taxpayers.

Maddy summaryHB 555 requires that all New Mexico massage therapy licenses include a clear, visible photo of the license holder. This change applies directly to individuals holding or applying for a massage therapy license under the Massage Therapy Practice Act. The bill amends existing law to add this photo requirement, which would take effect on July 1, 2025, for all new and renewed licenses.