Rep. Tanya Moya

Maddy summaryHB 200 adds two new funding categories to New Mexico's school finance system for teachers certified in bilingual education and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). School districts earn one program unit per bilingual-certified teacher and half a unit per TESOL-certified teacher, calculated using the state's standard funding rate. To qualify, schools must verify teacher credentials and provide salary increases equal to the unit value. This policy directly affects school districts, charter schools, and educators with these specific teaching endorsements by linking additional funding to certified staff.

Maddy summaryHB 223 increases funding for bilingual education programs in New Mexico public schools by raising the cost differential factor used to calculate program units. Starting July 1, 2025, the factor will begin at 0.6 and increase by 0.1 annually until it reaches 1.0 by July 1, 2029. This directly affects schools offering bilingual multicultural education programs, as it will boost state funding for these programs over five years. The bill amends existing funding law without changing program eligibility or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 94 sets maximum class sizes for kindergarten through third grade in New Mexico public schools. School districts must include specific class load data in their annual budget plans and obtain special approval for temporary waivers exceeding these limits. The bill requires districts to report how funds are used to maintain these class size requirements, including details on instructional staffing and resource allocation. It directly affects K-3 public school districts and their budget planning processes.

Maddy summaryHB 422 would increase stipends for teaching residents in New Mexico's teacher residency programs to at least $35,000 annually (80% of a level 1 teacher's minimum salary) and require health insurance coverage through the public school insurance authority. It also provides $2,000 annual stipends for mentor teachers, principals, and program coordinators, plus $4,000 per faculty member at participating colleges for co-teaching training. The bill mandates a three-year service commitment for teaching residents at their sponsoring school district and allocates funding for institutional costs. This proposed legislation aims to strengthen residency programs by improving financial support for participants and educators, though it was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 237 creates a tax credit for small New Mexico businesses with gross receipts under $1 million in the previous calendar year. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 25% of their state gross receipts tax liability (capped at $20,000 annually), reducing the tax they owe. Businesses must apply through the tax department and cannot claim this credit if they use other credits against the same tax. The credit applies to tax liabilities starting July 1, 2025, and unused portions can be carried forward to future years. This policy directly affects small businesses meeting the revenue threshold, providing a direct reduction in their state tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 297 creates a new computer science licensure endorsement for New Mexico teachers, requiring specific qualifications to teach computer science at any grade level. Teachers seeking this endorsement must meet one of six pathways: 15 college credits in computer science, passing a certification exam, having two years of industry work experience with verification, holding an industry certification, completing 60 hours of relevant professional development, or demonstrating three years of teaching experience. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for teacher professional development related to this endorsement, to be spent in fiscal years 2026-2027. This directly affects current and aspiring teachers who want to add computer science to their license, particularly those in secondary education. The requirement applies to all grade levels but specifies secondary licensure pathways in the underlying statute.

Maddy summaryHB 193 tasks New Mexico's Legislative Education Study Committee with conducting an ongoing analysis of the state's public education system, including laws, policies, and costs. The committee must produce annual reports to the legislature by the tenth day of each odd-year session, focusing on areas not already covered by existing studies (like those by the Board of Educational Finance). This bill does not change current education policies but establishes a formal process for the committee to evaluate the system and recommend future legislative action. The study aims to inform potential policy decisions based on the committee's findings.

Maddy summaryHB 277 modifies how much local funding school districts must contribute for state-funded building projects. It specifically reduces the required local share for small, high-poverty districts with limited ability to raise funds through property taxes. To qualify, districts must have residential tax rates of $8 or less per $1,000 valuation, fewer than 800 students, and over 70% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. The bill adjusts the existing funding formula to provide greater state support to these districts, making capital projects more accessible. This change directly affects struggling school districts that cannot meet standard local contribution requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 254 modifies New Mexico's rules for retired educators returning to work with school districts. It allows retired educators who haven't worked for at least 90 days after retirement to keep their retirement benefits while returning to part-time or low-salary jobs (under $15,000 annually), without needing to suspend benefits. The bill also extends the maximum return-to-work period from 36 to 84 months and requires an application process for approval. These changes directly affect retired public school employees seeking to return to employment with local school districts. The bill aims to provide greater flexibility for retired educators to rejoin the workforce while maintaining their retirement benefits under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 201 raises the minimum annual salary for school employees in New Mexico to $30,000, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. It increases the minimum salary for licensed educational assistants from $25,000 to $30,000 and establishes a new $30,000 annual minimum for all noncertified school personnel (replacing a prior hourly rate of $6.00). School districts must implement this pay rate for eligible employees, including both licensed educational assistants and noncertified staff working directly with students. The bill applies to all public school districts in the state.