Rep. Patty Lundstrom

Maddy summaryHB 145 increases New Mexico's bonding authority for highway projects, authorizing up to $1.124 billion in additional bonds. It sets specific limits: $624 million for major infrastructure projects (including those with federal financing history), $100 million for roads tied to the waste isolation pilot project, and $400 million for other highway work. Proceeds would come from state road fund taxes and federal highway reimbursement money, with annual caps on new bond issuance. This directly affects the State Transportation Commission's ability to finance road projects and impacts taxpayers through future bond obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 477 exempts New Mexico legislators from the lodger's tax when staying in hotels within the county containing the state capitol during a legislative session. The bill requires legislators to have a written agreement for at least 30 consecutive days of lodging in the capitol county to qualify for the exemption. This change directly affects state legislators who reside near the capitol during sessions, removing a tax they would otherwise pay on temporary lodging. The bill was referred to committees but was ultimately "DO NOT PASS" and postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 299 would create a new category of retirement member for law enforcement instructors at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy. Specifically, it defines "state law enforcement instructor member" as individuals who maintain law enforcement certification and provide training under the Law Enforcement Training Act. This change would include these instructors under the existing State Public Safety Member Coverage Plan 1, aligning them with other public safety employees for retirement benefits. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or eligibility rules but expands who qualifies for this specific retirement plan.

Maddy summaryHB 502 requires sellers to disclose acequia rights and water rights as material facts during real estate transactions in New Mexico. This means buyers must be informed about these water-related rights when purchasing property, directly affecting homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. The bill designates these rights as mandatory disclosure items, not changing the rights themselves but ensuring transparency in property sales. The legislation, introduced by several state representatives, would take effect July 1, 2025, 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 summarySB 206 amends New Mexico's procurement rules to increase minimum spending thresholds for public works projects (e.g., raising architectural/engineering service requirements from $50,000 to $100,000). It creates new requirements for chief procurement officers, including certification and training, and expands exemptions allowing state/local agencies to bypass standard bidding for specific purchases like IT equipment, child care services, digitized records, and appraisals. The bill also defines "public-private partnership agreements" and modifies bidding procedures, contract terms, and cost documentation rules. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and contractors working with public funds. The bill is pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 475 creates a dedicated Transportation Trust Fund in New Mexico to finance transportation infrastructure. It establishes new revenue streams, including 1% to 2% of electricity sales tax revenue (increasing over time), and adjusts motor vehicle excise tax distributions to send 30% of proceeds to the Trust Fund after 2027. The fund will provide state matching funds for federal transportation grants and may cover general fund shortfalls if other reserves are exhausted. This directly affects state budget allocations, transportation project funding, and taxpayers through electricity and vehicle-related taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 372 amends New Mexico's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act to update vehicle definitions and registration fees. It sets a $17 registration fee (with $5 covering division costs and $12 going to a motor vehicle fund) and an optional up to $40 user fee for off-highway vehicles like ATVs, snowmobiles, and recreational off-highway vehicles. The bill also clarifies nonresident permit fees ($17 for two years) and updates safety rules, such as prohibiting operation under the influence and restricting vehicle use near livestock structures. These changes directly affect off-highway vehicle users and improve fee enforcement and fund distribution systems.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 51 requests the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) to study how static scoring (which assumes no economic changes from tax policies) and dynamic scoring (which accounts for economic shifts like job growth) affect New Mexico's budget decisions. The study, due by September 1, 2025, will include specific examples like the revenue impacts of personal income tax cuts paired with adjusted state spending and infrastructure projects. This memorial does not change policy but aims to inform future fiscal analysis by comparing these two evaluation methods.

Maddy summaryHB 276 creates a new Public-Private Partnership Fund and Program to provide grants for broadband and transportation projects in New Mexico. It directly affects state/local governments (public partners) and private companies (private partners) by allowing them to collaborate on infrastructure projects without following standard procurement rules. The program requires the Local Government Division to evaluate grant applications using cost-benefit analysis, assess project delays, and prioritize projects that expand internet access or address transportation infrastructure needs. Funds will come from the Public Project Revolving Fund, with grants covering project costs while ensuring public funds are safeguarded.