Rep. Jimmy Mason

Maddy summaryHB 162 would repeal New Mexico's current seven-day waiting period for firearm purchases, directly affecting firearm sellers and buyers in the state. The bill removes Section 30-7-7.3 NMSA 1978, which required a mandatory seven-day delay between a buyer's application and firearm transfer. This change would allow immediate firearm sales without the waiting period, altering the standard purchasing process. The bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 351 provides $200 million in zero-interest loans to political subdivisions (like cities or counties) in Chaves County for repairing or replacing public infrastructure damaged by the October 19, 2024 storm, including flood or debris flow damage. The state funds these loans from the general fund for fiscal years 2026-2027, requiring recipients to repay the loan first using federal funds they receive for the same projects. Any unused funds by the end of 2027 would revert to the state general fund. This bill directly affects Chaves County entities that qualify for federal storm recovery assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 567 adds saliva (oral fluid) as an acceptable test method for determining if a driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs in New Mexico. It amends laws to explicitly include oral fluid testing alongside breath and blood, clarifying that law enforcement must cover costs for additional tests requested by drivers. The bill updates evidentiary standards to allow saliva test results to establish impairment, including presumptions for alcohol levels (e.g., 0.04% or higher) and drug presence. This directly affects drivers arrested for DWI/DUI, changing how impairment is measured and documented.

Maddy summaryHB 565 modifies New Mexico's firearm sale waiting period law by exempting certified and commissioned law enforcement officers (with arrest powers) from the standard 7-day waiting period when purchasing firearms. This means law enforcement officers can immediately take possession of firearms they buy, unlike most other buyers who must wait seven days. The bill amends existing law (Section 30-7-7.3 NMSA 1978) to add this exception, specifically targeting officers performing official duties. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 367 increases the required live race days for racetracks to maintain their gaming licenses. Racetracks paying $8 million or less in gaming taxes last year must host at least 15 weeks of racing with three live race days per week (minimum 10 races daily). Racetracks paying over $8 million must host 15 weeks with four live race days per week (minimum nine races daily). This bill directly affects licensed racetracks in New Mexico by adjusting their operational requirements for license renewal. The change modifies Section 60-1A-2 of the Horse Racing Act to update these minimums.

Maddy summaryHB 553 establishes New Mexico's first state-specific structural timber grading system. It requires sawmill owners or employees to earn a certification to grade and label dimensional lumber, beams, and vigas processed in-state, with labels including details like sawmill location, species, moisture content, and processing dates. The law allows this locally graded timber to be used in all residential and commercial construction as equivalent to nationally certified lumber, replacing the need for external grade stamps. Building inspectors must accept these state-issued labels as proof of compliance, and certificates expire after five years with a $250 fee for issuance.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 12 designates February 4, 2025, as "4-H Day" in the New Mexico House of Representatives to recognize the state's 4-H youth development programs. The resolution highlights 4-H's 100+ years of service, its 30,000+ annual participants aged 5-18, and its focus on teaching life skills like leadership and decision-making. It directs the House to formally acknowledge these contributions and transmit a copy to New Mexico State University's 4-H organization. This symbolic resolution has no legal effect or funding changes - it is a commemorative gesture honoring 4-H's role in youth development.