Sen. Natalie Figueroa

Maddy summarySB 296 creates a $50,000 annual tax credit for physicians in New Mexico who have completed medical residency, practice full-time in the state, and hold outstanding medical student loans. The credit applies to up to five consecutive taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and can be used to offset state income tax liability or refunded if it exceeds the tax owed. Physicians must obtain eligibility certification from the state's higher education department and claim the credit within three years of receiving certification. This policy directly supports medical professionals by reducing the financial burden of student debt while encouraging retention in New Mexico.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 9) proposes amending New Mexico's constitution to create an independent commission that would redraw state legislative district boundaries after each federal census. The commission would consist of nine members: three each from the two largest political parties and three unaffiliated members reflecting New Mexico's demographics. It would be required to follow non-dilution rules for minority voting rights and explicitly cannot consider incumbents' addresses or party voting history when drawing districts. If approved by voters, this commission would replace the legislature in creating redistricting plans, aiming to reduce partisan influence in the process.

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 summarySB 392 requires New Mexico county hospitals or contracted hospitals to provide standard care for life-threatening conditions (like cancer) and offer affordable payment plans when they are the only local provider and patients meet specific criteria: lacking employer/private insurance, not qualifying for Medicare/Medicaid, being uninsured, ineligible for county indigent programs, or not qualifying for the state medical insurance pool. Hospitals must continue care and payment plans until the patient obtains qualifying coverage. Payments are calculated using the higher of Medicaid or Medicare fee schedules, with monthly payments capped at 5% of the patient's household adjusted gross income. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 17 creates a 9-member commission to study factors driving high grocery costs in New Mexico, focusing on essential items like milk, eggs, produce, and bread. The commission must evaluate supply chains, price gouging laws, local food production support, and federal trade impacts, then submit specific recommendations by November 15, 2025. It is funded with $400,000 from the general fund to conduct this study, with members required to represent diverse backgrounds and expertise. The bill does not enact new laws but mandates a report to guide future policy.

Maddy summarySB 248 lowers the threshold for reporting lobbying-related spending from $100 to $50 per transaction. It requires lobbyists and their employers to electronically report all expenditures over $50 - including meals, entertainment, and other costs - categorized by type. The bill directly affects lobbyists and their employers who influence state legislation, officials, or ballot issues. Key provisions expand transparency by mandating detailed, itemized reports on spending that previously wasn’t required to be disclosed. These changes aim to provide greater public insight into how lobbying funds are used.

Maddy summarySJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a nine-member Citizen Commission on Legislative Salaries, independent of the legislature, to set and adjust lawmakers' salaries. The commission would review salaries every four years, require a five-vote majority for decisions, and submit reports to the secretary of state by October 1 (starting in 2028). This would replace New Mexico’s current per diem and mileage system for legislators with a fixed salary determined by the commission. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and is currently pending, having been postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 105, the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, allows social workers licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects licensed social workers (including clinical, master's, and bachelor's level) and their clients across state lines, particularly supporting military families who relocate frequently. The bill creates a system where a "multistate license" issued by a worker's home state authorizes practice in all compact states, eliminating duplicate application processes and reducing administrative burdens. Key provisions include requiring states to share disciplinary records and enabling social workers to provide services via telehealth across member states while maintaining public safety protections through existing state licensing authority.

Maddy summarySB 386 updates New Mexico's youth sports brain injury protocols by adding chiropractic physicians to the list of "licensed health care professionals" who can provide written medical releases allowing athletes to return to play after a suspected brain injury. The bill directly affects youth athletes in school sports, coaches, school districts, and athletic organizations by expanding who can legally authorize an athlete's return to activity following a brain injury. Key mechanisms include amending existing definitions (Section 1) to include chiropractors under the medical release requirement and maintaining current protocols for recognizing symptoms, mandatory training, and parental consent forms. This change does not alter the core safety requirements - such as the 24-hour waiting period, symptom monitoring, or annual training - but broadens the pool of qualified medical professionals. The bill is pending in committee after being postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 106 establishes New Mexico's participation in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, enabling licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology services (via video/phone) and up to 30 days of in-person practice annually in other participating states. It directly affects psychologists seeking to serve clients across state lines and expands public access to mental health care in underserved areas. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses between compact states, mandatory sharing of disciplinary records through a coordinated database, and requiring psychologists to hold an "E.Passport" for telepractice or an "interjurisdictional practice certificate" for temporary in-person work. The compact prioritizes public safety by ensuring psychologists comply with each state's practice laws while streamlining cross-state service delivery.