Rep. Charlotte Little

Maddy summaryHB 49 increases penalties for felons who receive, transport, or possess firearms or destructive devices in New Mexico. It specifically raises the penalty for first-time felon firearm possession from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony, and to a first-degree felony for repeat offenses. The bill applies directly to individuals convicted of felonies who have not completed their sentence, probation, or received a pardon within the past ten years. Key provisions clarify definitions of "serious violent felon" and "destructive device" while raising criminal charges for violations. This policy change aims to strengthen restrictions on firearm access for certain convicted individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 128 presumes that certain cancers and health conditions diagnosed after specific employment periods are caused by firefighting work, directly affecting full-time non-volunteer firefighters in New Mexico. It lists 17 cancer types (like bladder, breast, lung, and leukemia) that are presumed work-related after 5-15 years of service, along with infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis) and PTSD requiring physical impairment. The bill shifts the burden of proof: employers must rebut these presumptions with evidence showing non-work causes, and medical treatment for covered conditions must be provided as if work-related. This aims to streamline access to workers' compensation for firefighters facing job-linked health issues without requiring them to prove causation in court.

Maddy summaryHB 158 requires state agencies receiving funds from the Government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust to submit detailed accountability and evaluation plans for their programs. These plans must outline goals, evidence-based practices, performance measures, evaluation methods, and public reporting timelines. Agencies must submit initial plans by July 1 each year after funding is approved, with potential revisions by September 1, and final evaluations by July 15 of the program’s last funding year. The bill aims to ensure transparency and measurable outcomes for public spending from this specific trust fund.

Maddy summaryHB 255 creates a dedicated state fund to help counties and public safety agencies recruit and retain workers in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public defender offices. The program provides competitive grants for recruitment bonuses, training, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and equipment tied to workforce development - *not* for base salaries or new positions. Grant applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives address local staffing gaps, with priority given to areas with high vacancy rates or crime. All funds must be spent within two years, and grantees must submit annual progress reports to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates funds for New Mexico's 2025 special legislative session and fiscal year 2026 operations. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, with unspent balances reverting to state funds. Major allocations include $1 million for court behavioral health pilots, $5.56 million for educational TV/radio, and $17.3 million for Medicaid premium assistance (pending House Bill 2). All funds must be spent by 2027 or return to state reserves.

Maddy summaryHB 2 creates a state Health Care Affordability Fund to lower health insurance costs for New Mexicans. It provides premium subsidies for residents purchasing coverage through New Mexico's health insurance exchange (with priority for those earning under 200% of the federal poverty level) and for small businesses. The fund also covers part of premiums for state employees earning $50,000 or less and New Mexico National Guard members. If federal health care laws change to reduce coverage, the fund can maintain access to affordable plans for low-income residents.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR 12) would require members of New Mexico's state college and university boards of regents to uphold specific fiduciary duties, including loyalty, careful management, good faith, and compliance with state laws. It also changes removal procedures: district courts - not the Supreme Court - would handle removals filed by the Attorney General or a majority of the board, for causes like breaches of duty or misconduct. The bill directly affects all regents serving on boards for New Mexico's public higher education institutions, including the University of New Mexico. It does not alter board composition rules (like student member requirements) but adds legal clarity to their responsibilities and removal processes.

Maddy summaryHB 17 creates a 9-member commission to study factors driving high grocery costs in New Mexico, focusing on essential items like milk, eggs, produce, and bread. The commission must evaluate supply chains, price gouging laws, local food production support, and federal trade impacts, then submit specific recommendations by November 15, 2025. It is funded with $400,000 from the general fund to conduct this study, with members required to represent diverse backgrounds and expertise. The bill does not enact new laws but mandates a report to guide future policy.

Maddy summaryHB 149 establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements in New Mexico, allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily partner with supporters to help them understand options and make their own life decisions. The bill requires agreements to be in writing, signed by both parties without coercion, and specifies that supporters may only assist - never make decisions for - the supported individual. Key provisions include a presumption of capacity for all adults (regardless of disability), prohibitions against supporters making decisions or self-dealing, and clear limits on information access. The law also creates a state program within the Office of Guardianship to oversee these agreements and protects third parties who rely on them in good faith.

Maddy summaryHB 490 requires New Mexico public schools to revise discipline policies to prohibit discrimination or disparate treatment based on race, religion, culture, disability, home language, gender, income level, or specific hairstyles (like braids or locs) and religious headwear (like hijabs). It mandates that schools develop policies with parent and student input, ban corporal punishment, and create a confidential online portal for reporting racially motivated incidents. The bill also allows students to self-administer prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication under specific safety conditions, with schools required to provide backup medication. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.