Rep. Cathrynn Brown

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Mexico's Oil Conservation Division to review and act on applications for produced water disposal well permits within strict timeframes. Within 30 days of receiving an application, the division must determine if it's complete and notify the applicant; if incomplete, the applicant gets up to two 30-day opportunities to fix it, restarting the review clock each time. Once an application is deemed complete, the division must grant, conditionally grant, or deny the permit within 15 days, or the permit is automatically approved. The bill directly affects oil and gas companies seeking these permits and the state agency managing the permitting process.

Maddy summaryHB 288 appropriates $450,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department for the Historic Women Marker Program, to be spent over fiscal years 2026-2029. The funding expands the program’s implementation, which places markers commemorating significant New Mexico women in public spaces. Unspent funds by the end of 2029 will revert to the general fund. This bill directly affects the Cultural Affairs Department’s operations and honors women whose historical contributions are recognized through these markers.

Maddy summaryHB 322 creates two new transportation funds in New Mexico: the Transportation Trust Fund and the Transportation Program Fund. The Trust Fund receives annual distributions from electricity sales tax (starting at 1% and increasing to 2% over time) and adjusted motor vehicle tax revenues (shifting 30% to the Trust Fund after 2028). The Program Fund uses these funds to provide matching money for federal transportation infrastructure projects. Unspent capital project funds from the general budget also revert to the Trust Fund, ensuring ongoing revenue for transportation initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 325 creates a dedicated state fund to improve safety at road-rail crossings in New Mexico, directly affecting communities and transportation agencies at intersections where roads meet railroad tracks. The fund, initially funded with $1 million for fiscal year 2027, will finance projects like installing crossing gates, signals, or grade separations through the state Department of Transportation. Unspent funds will roll over annually without reverting to the general fund, and starting October 1, 2026, any remaining balance will be transferred to the state road fund to support additional safety projects. This legislation provides a permanent funding mechanism for safety improvements at high-risk crossings.

Maddy summaryHB 54 removes the requirement for protests when drilling replacement wells within 100 feet of an original well, directly affecting water right owners seeking replacements and neighboring water users. It allows owners to drill such wells without public protest if they meet specific conditions: using the same water source, same water amount, proving an emergency, and filing notice with the state engineer before drilling. Affected neighbors cannot block the well but may later sue for damages if harmed. The bill streamlines the process for well replacements during emergencies while maintaining legal recourse for damages. (Note: Bill is pre-filed and not yet active.)

Maddy summaryHB 201 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Attorney General's office for fiscal years 2026-2027. This funding will hire staff to support a task force studying the state's Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), which governs public access to government records. The bill specifically directs the Attorney General to convene and staff this task force to examine IPRA implementation. Any unspent funds at the end of 2027 must return to the general fund. The bill does not change IPRA itself but provides resources for a review study.

Maddy summarySB 78 would change New Mexico law to include nuclear energy as a renewable energy source for public utilities and rural electric cooperatives. The bill amends definitions to specifically list nuclear facilities (using fission or fusion without carbon emissions during generation) as a qualifying "renewable energy resource." This means nuclear power would count toward the state's renewable energy requirements under current law. The change directly affects how utilities calculate compliance with New Mexico's renewable portfolio standards.

Maddy summaryHB 233, the "Protection of Women's Sports Act," requires New Mexico public schools and athletic clubs to designate sports teams and events as either for males, females, or coed. It mandates that participants in female-designated teams must be biologically female, verified by birth certificate sex at or near birth, and prohibits males from competing on such teams. The bill allows males to serve only as non-roster practice players without displacing female athletes. Violations permit private lawsuits for damages or injunctions, with a one-year filing deadline. This law directly affects high school and college athletic programs, governing team eligibility and competition rules.

Maddy summaryHB 92 would expand New Mexico's tax exemption for Social Security income, directly benefiting seniors whose primary income comes from Social Security. The bill phases in higher tax exemptions over time: starting at 20% for 2026-2027, increasing to 40% (2028-2029), 60% (2030-2031), 80% (2032-2033), and reaching 100% by 2034. It sets income thresholds: $75,000 for married filing separately, $150,000 for joint filers, and $100,000 for single filers. The bill is currently pending before the House Commerce & Economic Development and Taxation & Revenue Committees.

Maddy summaryHB 199 updates New Mexico's sex offender registration laws to align with federal requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act. It requires sex offenders who live in New Mexico, work in New Mexico for over 14 days annually, or attend school in New Mexico to register with their local sheriff. The bill clarifies key terms, such as defining "habitually lives" (30+ days in a year) and expanding "institution of higher education" to include trade schools. This affects individuals convicted of specific sex offenses (e.g., sexual contact with minors, exploitation, or trafficking) who meet the residency, employment, or school criteria under state or federal law. The bill aims to ensure state compliance with federal reporting standards.