Maddy summaryHB 264 creates new tax deductions for New Mexico taxpayers earning tips (based on federal Section 224), overtime pay (federal Section 225), and Social Security income (federal Section 151). It replaces the Working Families Tax Credit with a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) modeled after federal rules, adds a new Foster Parent and Guardian Income Tax Credit, and expands the medical expense deduction to apply to taxpayers of all income levels. The bill also extends tax deductions for healthcare practitioners to include patient coinsurance payments. These provisions directly affect low-to-moderate income earners, tip-based workers, retirees, and foster care providers by modifying how their income is taxed under New Mexico law.
Sponsored bills
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 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 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 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 293 would remove income limits for New Mexico residents claiming an exemption on Social Security income under state tax law. Currently, the exemption is capped at $75,000 for married individuals filing separately, $150,000 for joint filers, and $100,000 for single filers. The bill eliminates these caps, allowing all Social Security income to be exempt from state income tax regardless of total earnings. This change would directly affect higher-income Social Security recipients (e.g., retirees) who currently face partial taxation on their benefits. The amendment applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHJM 9 is a procedural joint memorial requesting the New Mexico Legislative Council to create a special interim committee focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy. The committee would examine AI's impact on industries, government, and daily life - including concerns about bias, security, and workforce changes - and address New Mexico's lack of comprehensive data privacy laws. It would hold hearings, gather stakeholder input from businesses, consumers, and experts, and develop recommendations for future legislation in 2026. This bill does not create new laws but sets up a process to inform potential future regulations affecting residents, businesses, and state agencies. The committee's work would align with national trends while reflecting New Mexico's unique needs, such as its technology sector and national laboratories.
Maddy summaryHB 304 creates a program to repay student loans for New Mexico law enforcement officers who work for county or municipal agencies. Eligible officers must have completed at least three years of service and apply through a state fund; repayment amounts are capped at $25,000 or the actual loan balance, tied to years served. The program requires officers to sign contracts agreeing to continue employment, with repayment made directly to lenders (federal, state, or commercial) upon annual employment verification. The law establishes a dedicated fund funded by state appropriations and repayments, with rules to determine eligibility and award amounts.
Maddy summaryHB 208 allows New Mexico residents applying for a hunting or fishing license at the Department of Game and Fish to register to vote simultaneously. It adds the department of game and fish to existing state agencies (like motor vehicle offices) where eligible voters can register or update their registration during service interactions. The bill requires the department to appoint license vendors to accept voter registration forms, with all registrations transmitted to election officials within 10 days. This policy change directly affects people seeking hunting/fishing licenses who are not already registered to vote, expanding access points for voter registration without altering voting rights or requirements.
Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 63 requests New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to study creating a nuclear energy commission and related topics. The study would examine repurposing decommissioned power plant sites, reactor safety (including small modular reactors), carbon capture policies, industrial uses of carbon dioxide, and county-level microgrid development. This non-binding resolution, introduced in 2025 and postponed indefinitely by the House committee, does not create new laws but directs state officials to assess nuclear energy's role in the state's renewable energy transition. The study aims to inform future policy decisions affecting New Mexico's energy infrastructure and climate goals.