Sen. Jay Block

Maddy summarySB 255 reclassifies selling fentanyl that causes a death as first-degree murder, imposing a mandatory 30-year prison sentence. It directly affects individuals who distribute any amount of fentanyl when that distribution results in a fatal overdose. The bill removes the defense that the victim intentionally used the fentanyl, making the trafficker solely liable for the death. This changes sentencing from standard drug offenses to murder charges for specific fentanyl-related deaths. The bill is currently pending review by New Mexico's Senate committees.

Maddy summarySB 256 creates a new fourth-degree felony for unlawfully interfering with aircraft operations, specifically including pointing lasers at aircraft. It defines "laser" as devices used as pointers or highlighters and prohibits discharging firearms, launching projectiles, or interfering with aircraft. The law imposes a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for this offense. It directly affects anyone who engages in such actions, including individuals using laser pointers near airports or during flights.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial 23 requests the Legislative Finance Committee consider allocating state funds in 2027 to cover the annual cost of placing wreaths on all 79,000 veteran gravesites at Santa Fe National Cemetery, estimated at $1.34 million ($17 per wreath). Currently, volunteers and families sponsor wreaths through donations, but this memorial seeks to transition the effort to sustainable state funding. It directly affects veterans buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery and aims to ensure every grave receives a wreath annually. This non-binding request does not create new law but asks the committee to evaluate funding options.

Maddy summarySB 254 appropriates $2.8 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Information Technology for fiscal year 2027 and beyond. The funds cover subscriber fees for municipal, county, and tribal public safety agencies (including those providing law enforcement, fire, medical, and emergency services) using the state's digital trunked radio communications system. Unspent funds will not revert to the general fund, ensuring ongoing support for these agencies' critical communication needs.

Maddy summarySJM 4 is a non-binding request urging New Mexico's governor to opt the state into a federal tax credit program that allows donors to claim dollar-for-dollar tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations. This program would enable low-income families and students with special needs to access private scholarships covering K-12 education costs - including tuition, books, and special needs services - at public, private, or religious schools, without state funding. The request emphasizes that opting in requires only the governor's decision (no legislative action) and risks losing charitable donations to states like Texas and Colorado that have already joined the program. New Mexico would gain immediate access to this federal opportunity to expand educational choices for underserved students, aligning with bipartisan voter support for the initiative.

Maddy summarySB 149 amends New Mexico's Property Tax Code to clarify the definition of "residential property." It explicitly includes manufactured homes used for permanent habitation as residential property, while excluding temporary structures like hotels and motels. This change directly affects manufactured home owners by classifying their properties under residential tax rates instead of potentially higher nonresidential rates. The bill makes a technical adjustment to tax classification rules without creating new taxes or exemptions.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial 8 (SM 8) is a symbolic resolution honoring New Mexico law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and recognizing their service. It expresses the Senate’s appreciation for officers’ work and calls for supporting them through increased personnel, improved training/equipment, stronger penalties for violence against officers, and better mental health resources. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but urges state and local governments to prioritize officer safety and well-being. It directly affects New Mexico law enforcement officers and their families, particularly those who have died while serving. The resolution was referred to committees on January 26, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 144 would repeal New Mexico's Special Zoning District Act (specifically Sections 3-21-15 through 3-21-26 NMSA 1978), removing existing zoning rules for certain areas. This bill directly affects local governments and property owners currently operating under these special zoning districts. As a procedural repeal, it eliminates the referenced statutes without adding new provisions or mechanisms. The bill is currently pending before Senate committees.

Maddy summarySB 146 amends New Mexico's Civil Rights Act to change how people can sue government entities for rights violations. It directly affects residents who claim government actions violated their constitutional rights, such as police misconduct or school policies. Key changes include: reducing the maximum total damages from $2 million to $750,000 per incident (with separate limits for property, medical costs, and other damages), shortening the filing deadline from 3 to 2 years, requiring written notice before suing, and banning double recovery from both this act and the Tort Claims Act. The bill also removes punitive damages and clarifies that government employees can't sue under this act for job-related issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts from New Mexico state income tax salaries paid by the U.S. government to residents serving in uniformed services. It directly affects New Mexico residents working in the military (active/reserve army, navy, air force, etc.), Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, NOAA Corps, or state National Guard. The key provision removes state tax liability on these federal salaries for tax returns filed in 2026 and later. The exemption requires taxpayers to report it to the state tax department and is included in official tax expenditure reports.