Rep. Jimmy Mason

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 9) is a joint resolution passed by the New Mexico legislature requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution. It seeks to propose three specific amendments: imposing fiscal restraints on federal spending, limiting the federal government's power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution directs the state secretary of state to send copies to federal officials and states that New Mexico's application remains active until two-thirds of states apply for the same purpose. It does not create new laws but formally requests a convention to address federal fiscal policy and governance.

Maddy summaryHB 225 prohibits New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) from creating or enforcing rules that would require vehicle manufacturers to produce or sell a specific percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year. The bill directly affects the EIB, preventing it from implementing such regulatory requirements, and indirectly impacts vehicle manufacturers who might otherwise have been subject to these rules. It blocks a mechanism for controlling emissions through mandated vehicle sales percentages, rather than creating new sales obligations. The legislation does not alter current vehicle sales standards or consumer choices but restricts a potential future regulatory path. This is a procedural bill focused on limiting regulatory authority, not on direct policy changes for consumers or manufacturers.

Maddy summaryHB 227 repeals New Mexico's Clean Transportation Fuel Standard Program and prohibits future adoption of rules requiring fuel providers to meet carbon intensity standards. It specifically removes references to "carbon intensity" from environmental law definitions and eliminates the department's duty to implement fuel standard rules. The bill directly affects fuel producers, refiners, and regulators who would have been subject to the 2024 program's requirements. This legislation eliminates existing regulatory obligations without creating new requirements or financial impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 221 removes the $30,000 annual cap on tax exemptions for military retirement pay in New Mexico, making all such income tax-exempt for eligible individuals. It directly affects New Mexico military retirees and their surviving spouses who qualify for lifetime retirement benefits under federal law. The bill amends state tax code to eliminate the previous limitation, meaning retirees no longer face a taxable threshold on their military pay. This change applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and does not create new benefits but modifies existing tax treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 230 creates a permanent 12-member legislative committee (appointed by party leaders in both houses) to review state agency rules during legislative breaks. It requires agencies to provide cost analyses for rules exceeding $1 million in implementation costs and mandates the committee to assess rules' necessity, fiscal impact, and legal compliance before final adoption. The committee will issue written recommendations to agencies during the public comment period for proposed rules. This establishes a formal process for legislative oversight of regulations, affecting state agencies, businesses, and citizens impacted by rule changes.

Maddy summaryHB 222 requires all New Mexico voters to present acceptable identification at polling places or when requesting mail-in ballots. For in-person voting, voters may use a photo ID (like a driver's license) or documents showing name and address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement). For mail-in ballots, voters must submit a photocopy of their driver's license plus their Social Security number. The bill also mandates the Motor Vehicle Division to issue free voter ID cards and provides free photocopying of ID documents at government offices during business hours. This affects all voters participating in New Mexico elections, both in-person and by mail.

Maddy summaryHB 207 requires New Mexico's Water Quality Control Commission to create specific rules allowing the reuse of treated water generated from oil and gas operations (called "produced water"). This bill directly affects oil and gas operators, water treatment facilities, and entities seeking to use this treated water for purposes like irrigation or industrial processes. The key mechanism is mandating the Commission to develop these rules, which must be based on scientific data and consider water quality protection, while ensuring the rules align with existing legal authority under the Water Quality Act. The bill does not specify the exact permitted uses but sets a process for the Commission to establish them.

Maddy summaryHB 387, the Education Opportunity Account Act, creates a state-funded program allowing New Mexico students (residents not yet holding a high school diploma) to use state deposits to cover private school tuition and qualifying education expenses. The state would deposit monthly funds into accounts based on average public school spending per grade (adjusted for special needs), covering costs like private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and standardized test fees. Parents must contract with the state annually for approved expenses, and unused funds revert to the general fund after two years unless waived for extenuating circumstances. The program does not require students to attend private schools but prohibits parents from adding personal funds to accounts or receiving refunds.

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 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.