Sen. Michael Padilla

Maddy summarySB 117 would adjust retirement benefits for New Mexico public employees by linking cost-of-living increases directly to the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income annual adjustments starting July 2026. It applies to eligible retirees (who have been retired 1-2 years) and survivor beneficiaries, replacing previous COLA calculation methods. The bill appropriates $50 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026 and beyond to cover these adjustments, with unspent funds carrying forward. This change ensures retirement payments rise at the same rate as Social Security COLAs, providing predictable increases for qualifying recipients.

Maddy summarySB 438 modifies pension calculations for certain New Mexico public safety employees. It adds a 20% increase to credited service time for state police members who were active or retired by June 30, 2013, and for adult correctional officers, probation officers, and state fire members under specific service dates (post-July 2021 for probation officers, post-July 2024 for fire members). This adjustment affects how their retirement benefits are calculated under the State Public Safety Member Coverage Plan 1. The bill applies only to members who met the service cutoff dates and does not alter retirement age requirements.

Maddy summarySB 60 creates a six-year pilot program for a high school elective course on water management and conservation, administered by New Mexico's Public Education Department. The bill requires the department to develop a curriculum focused on practical learning, select at least five diverse school districts (including rural and urban areas) to participate, and provide financial grants to cover course costs. Participating schools must track student enrollment, performance, and post-graduation plans related to the course. The program mandates annual reports to the legislature and a final report by 2031, with $1.25 million appropriated for implementation from 2026-2031. The initiative directly affects high school students in selected districts and school districts receiving grants.

Maddy summarySB 24 requires employers working on public works construction projects in New Mexico to contribute to approved apprentice and training programs or the state's Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund. This applies to all such projects (excluding specific maintenance contracts) and mandates contributions at the same amount and method as those required for prevailing wage rates. The Workforce Solutions Department will administer the program, collect contributions, verify compliance, and disburse funds. The bill directly affects construction employers on state-funded projects by creating a mandatory funding mechanism for workforce training.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Mexico's child abuse law to define exposure of a child to Schedule I or II controlled substances (like opioids or methamphetamine) as abuse at birth, with an exception for the mother's legally prescribed medication. It also establishes new rules for temporarily holding newborns without a court order: health professionals (e.g., doctors or nurses) may detain newborns showing withdrawal symptoms or in drug manufacturing environments for up to 24 hours while seeking court approval. The bill clarifies that such temporary custody does not count as an arrest or create a police record. It declares an emergency to take effect immediately.

Maddy summarySB 362 clarifies when courts can order services for children without filing a formal abuse/neglect petition. It adds a new definition to New Mexico law (Section 32A-3B-2(F)) for "families in need of court-ordered services" when CYFD substantiates child abuse/neglect but determines that filing a petition would not be in the child's best interest. This allows courts to directly intervene and provide family services to ensure child safety and access to support. The bill specifically affects families where CYFD has completed an investigation but chooses not to pursue formal court action. It creates a streamlined mechanism for court-ordered services in these cases, avoiding unnecessary legal proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 211 creates a 30% tax credit for businesses spending at least $3 million on infrastructure for quantum technology research facilities in New Mexico, capped at $50 million per facility. It directly affects companies building such facilities (excluding U.S. government-operated sites) by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability through a two-step certification process with the economic development department. The credit expires for taxable years ending before 2035, with a total state spending limit of $75 million (increasing to $150 million if New Mexico wins a specific federal quantum grant). The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 6 proposes adding a new constitutional section to create New Mexico's Early Childhood Trust Fund, a permanent state trust fund dedicated exclusively to prenatal and early childhood programs (for children up to kindergarten eligibility). The fund would be financed through investments and earnings, with annual distributions set at either 5% of its three-year average value or $500 million, whichever is higher. It also allows limited use of the fund during state revenue shortfalls to prevent budget deficits, but only if state funds are exhausted. This constitutional amendment requires voter approval and is currently pending after being postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 334 creates new criminal penalties for assaulting or battering employees of New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) while they are performing their job duties. It defines specific offenses: simple assault (threats or attempts) as a misdemeanor, and intentional battery (like hitting or touching in a rude manner) as a felony, with harsher penalties for using weapons or causing serious harm. The bill applies directly to CYFD workers in family services, protective services, behavioral health, and juvenile justice divisions. The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 205 creates a new Office of Housing Planning and Production within New Mexico's Department of Finance and Administration to coordinate statewide housing efforts. The office will develop a strategy to reduce housing costs and increase availability - including for low-income and homeless households - by analyzing zoning rules, building codes, construction costs, and promoting innovative housing solutions like modular homes. It requires annual data collection on housing needs, market conditions, and program impacts to track progress toward state goals and identify geographic gaps. The office will provide technical assistance to local governments, tribes, and regional entities to improve housing regulations and grow local housing capacity. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation.