Rep. Anita Gonzales

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 summaryHouse Memorial 5 designates January 22, 2026, as "New Mexico MESA Day" in the New Mexico House of Representatives. The memorial recognizes New Mexico MESA, a nonprofit educational program that supports students from diverse backgrounds in math, engineering, and science through tutoring, college counseling, and career preparation. It honors the organization’s work in nearly 110 schools statewide, emphasizing its role in helping students pursue STEM fields. The bill has no policy or funding changes - it is purely a symbolic recognition of MESA’s educational contributions.

Maddy summarySB 1 creates a $50 million fund to provide grants to rural health care providers and facilities in high-need areas, specifically targeting those serving Medicaid patients in counties with under 100,000 residents or designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. The bill allows grants to cover operating losses for existing services at risk of closure or reduction, not for new facilities or construction. Providers must be Medicaid-licensed, demonstrate verified financial need, and commit to continued service during the grant period. The fund is nonreverting, meaning unspent money carries forward, and the bill takes immediate effect as an emergency measure.

Maddy summaryHB 334, the "Rural Electric Co-op Wildfire Liability Act," requires New Mexico's rural electric cooperatives to create and maintain detailed wildfire prevention plans. These plans must cover risk assessments, vegetation management, system inspections, emergency procedures, and public safety considerations, and must be reviewed by the Forestry Division and approved by the Public Regulation Commission. If approved, the cooperative can limit liability for wildfire-related damages (including economic and noneconomic losses) and claims must be filed within two years. The law also mandates public posting of the plans and annual compliance reports on the cooperatives' websites.

Maddy summaryHB 486 requires criminal background checks and sex offender registry checks before returning a child to a parent, guardian, or custodian after the child has been taken into state custody due to abuse or neglect. It also mandates these checks before placing a child in foster care with a relative. The bill amends New Mexico law to require the Children, Youth and Families Department to conduct these checks and review results before making any release decision. This applies specifically to children in state custody under abuse/neglect cases, directly affecting caregivers seeking to regain custody. The law aims to ensure child safety by verifying caregivers' backgrounds prior to reunification.

Maddy summaryHR 4 allows newly elected New Mexico state representatives (members-elect) to submit bills for consideration before the legislative session begins. The bill amends House rules to let members-elect deposit legislation with the chief clerk between January 2 and the Friday before the session starts, with prefiled bills numbered starting at HB 10 or higher (reserving lower numbers for priority bills like appropriations). These prefiled bills must be publicly available and formally introduced within 72 hours of the session opening. This procedural change streamlines the start of the legislative process for incoming members.

Maddy summaryHB 229 allocates $430,000 from the state general fund to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the "NM-GROWN Approved Supplier Program" in fiscal year 2026. The program aims to support local agricultural suppliers by promoting New Mexico-grown products, directly benefiting state farmers and producers who qualify as approved suppliers. Funds must be spent by the end of fiscal year 2026, with any unspent balance reverting to the state general fund. The bill was referred to committees, passed committee approval, but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, preventing its enactment.

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 summarySB 152 allows New Mexico counties to request a two-year pause on new cannabis producer licenses by petitioning the Cannabis Control Division. If approved, the division cannot issue new licenses for commercial or medical cannabis production in that county during the moratorium period. Counties must submit petitions within 10 days of approval, and the division must decide within 10 days, with counties able to request an early end if needed. The bill was advanced by committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it has not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 395 creates a $1,000 annual income tax credit for licensed healthcare professionals (such as doctors, nurses, or dentists) who serve as preceptors at New Mexico colleges or universities. To qualify, preceptors must provide at least four weeks of free clinical training to graduate students pursuing healthcare degrees (like medicine, nursing, or pharmacy) at accredited New Mexico institutions. The credit reduces the preceptor’s state tax bill, with unused portions carried forward to future years. Applications require certification from the employing institution confirming the training period and the student’s program. This policy directly supports healthcare educators by offering a financial incentive for their clinical training work.