Rep. Paulene Abeyta

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 32 requests New Mexico's Indian Affairs Department and Commission on the Status of Women to study the history of forced or coerced sterilizations of Indigenous women and women of color in the state. The study would identify past cases, gather survivor testimony using trauma-informed methods, and assess current reproductive health services. It would lead to recommendations for a state truth commission, public memorial, and new reproductive justice programs. As a memorial (not a binding bill), it seeks to document historical harms and guide future action without implementing new laws.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 42 is a non-binding request asking state departments to study how to address potential job losses and community impacts if three New Mexico immigration detention centers (in Cibola, Otero, and Torrance counties) close. It directs the Economic Development Department to study replacing jobs for the 700+ employees at these facilities, the Corrections and Health departments to explore repurposing the buildings for juvenile detention or healthcare, and state programs to assist affected communities. The study results must be submitted to legislative committees by October 1, 2026. This memorial does not change laws or guarantee facility closures - it only requests analyses to prepare for possible future scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 51) requests state departments to study how to support workers and repurpose detention facilities if contracts with U.S. immigration authorities end. It directs the Economic Development and Workforce Solutions departments to explore new job opportunities for affected employees, while the Corrections, Children/Youth/Families, and Health Care departments must examine alternative uses for the facilities (e.g., healthcare, community services). The studies, due by October 1, 2026, aim to address potential economic impacts on communities near Cibola, Otero, and Torrance County detention centers. As a procedural memorial, it does not enact new law but seeks planning for possible future changes.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 64) is a non-binding request urging New Mexico's Indian Affairs Department to build capacity for providing technical assistance to the state's Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos. It specifically asks the department to prepare for more efficient support regarding capital outlay projects - funded from the general state budget - amid pending legislative changes to the capital outlay process. The memorial does not change policy but formally encourages the department to strengthen its ability to help tribal entities access and manage these funds. (Note: As a memorial, it has no legal force but expresses legislative intent.)

Maddy summarySB 148 designates April 30 of each year as "Miguel Trujillo Day" in New Mexico to honor Miguel Trujillo, a marine veteran and Pueblo of Isleta member who secured voting rights for Native Americans on tribal lands. The bill appropriates $75,000 from the general fund to the Indian Affairs Department for fiscal year 2027 to develop educational materials, coordinate community events with tribes and schools, and create digital/print resources about Trujillo's life and achievements. This funding supports public awareness and community observances of the day through education and reflection on voting rights. Any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2027 will revert to the general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 22 makes it illegal to distribute non-consensual "sensitive deepfake images" in New Mexico - defined as digitally altered images depicting private body parts (like uncovered genitals or a woman's breast below the areola) or intimate acts. It expands existing privacy laws to cover these deepfakes, creating new criminal penalties (misdemeanor for first offense, felony for repeat offenses) and threatening to distribute such images. Victims can now sue for libel, slander, or invasion of privacy in civil court, recovering actual damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and profits gained by the perpetrator. The law specifically targets non-consensual distribution, excluding platforms from liability for user content and clarifying that consent to create a deepfake doesn’t cover its distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 97 appropriates $165,000 from the general fund to New Mexico's Department of Health for fiscal year 2027 to prevent shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. The funding will update prevention training materials, require all hospitals and birthing centers statewide to implement educational programs, and establish statewide reporting for abusive head trauma cases. This bill directly affects healthcare facilities and the Department of Health, which will administer the programs. Unspent funds at year-end will revert to the general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 68 allocates $2 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Workforce Solutions Department for a healthcare recruitment program in fiscal year 2027. This funding directly supports efforts to attract healthcare workers to the state, primarily benefiting healthcare facilities and providers facing staffing shortages. The bill specifies that any unspent funds at year-end must return to the general fund, ensuring fiscal accountability. The program aims to strengthen healthcare workforce availability without altering existing regulations or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 202 requires New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department, Health Care Authority, Department of Health, and other state agencies to create a written agreement with the Office of Child Advocate for sharing specific data and system access. The bill mandates that this agreement include security protocols, audit logging, breach plans, and compliance with federal privacy laws like HIPAA and FERPA. It also establishes a working group to develop the agreement by October 2026 and appropriates $75,000 to the Office of Child Advocate for technical support. The law directly affects the Office of Child Advocate and the listed state agencies by structuring how they share sensitive child-related information.

Maddy summaryHB 11 creates the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact" to allow licensed professionals in these fields to practice across participating states without obtaining new licenses. The bill directly affects audiologists and speech-language pathologists who wish to serve patients in other member states, as well as patients seeking these services. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, requirements for criminal background checks during application, and provisions enabling telehealth services to improve access. The compact preserves each state’s regulatory authority while streamlining cross-state practice, particularly benefiting military families and remote patients. (Note: The bill passed the House but was replaced by a committee substitute; this summary reflects the original bill’s intended purpose.)