Sen. Nicole Tobiassen

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 summarySB 297 requires New Mexico's Health Care Authority to conduct regional market assessments by July 2026 (and every two years after) to determine average commercial insurance reimbursement rates for covered health services in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Oklahoma, and Texas. It sets Medicaid reimbursement rates at the higher of either 200% of Medicare rates or the regional average commercial rate for each service. Health care entities receiving increased Medicaid payments must use at least 75% of the revenue increase to boost compensation or hire more staff directly serving patients. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other licensed health care providers participating in New Mexico's Medicaid program. The bill aims to align Medicaid payments with regional market rates while mandating that increased funding benefit frontline workers.

Maddy summarySB 298 exempts specific licensed health care practitioners in New Mexico from state income tax on income earned from providing health care services within the state. The bill applies to 9 professions, including chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, physicians, and physical therapists, who must practice full-time in New Mexico. The exemption covers taxable years ending before January 1, 2035 (effectively 2025-2034). It does not create new taxes but removes an existing tax liability for qualifying professionals.

Maddy summarySB 305 creates a 13-member task force to address challenges in New Mexico's foster care system, specifically focusing on recruiting and retaining foster parents. The task force includes appointed officials, foster family representatives, youth, tribal members with lived experience under the Indian Child Welfare Act, and other stakeholders like service providers and juvenile justice experts. It must study successful models from other states (citing Utah's 1998 bill as an example), conduct research with a university, and submit a final report by July 2026. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support this work.

Maddy summarySB 304 creates a New Mexico income tax credit for residents who contribute to qualifying foster care organizations. Taxpayers can claim a credit of $500 (for single filers, heads of household, or surviving spouses) or $1,000 (for married couples filing jointly) per year. To qualify, the organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that spends at least half its budget on foster care services for at least 200 New Mexico residents annually, verified by the state tax department. Taxpayers must provide the organization’s name and contribution amount when filing their state income tax return.

Maddy summarySB 459, the "Protection of Women's Sports Act," requires New Mexico public schools, colleges, and athletic clubs to designate teams, sports, and events as male, female, or coed based on biological sex. It prohibits males from competing on teams designated for females (including in competitions, against such teams, or with them), using birth certificate sex as the eligibility standard. The bill allows males to participate only as non-roster practice players without displacing female athletes. Violations can trigger private lawsuits for damages, injunctive relief, or legal fees, and entities failing to comply may lose public funding.

Maddy summarySB 346 allocates $5 million in state funds for capital improvements across New Mexico during fiscal years 2025-2026. It directly affects local governments and communities by funding specific projects like a new fire truck in Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), critical incident response vehicles for Las Cruces police (Dona Ana County), career technical education equipment for Lovington schools, and senior meal programs in Grant/Hidalgo/Luna counties. The bill provides targeted funding for community needs including youth programs, public safety equipment, fire stations, and educational resources without creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes procedures for retiring New Mexico state flags that are no longer usable. It requires disposal through burning or another dignified method (like a public ceremony with military or patriotic groups) to honor the flag's significance. The bill applies directly to state agencies responsible for managing official flags, ensuring their retirement follows respectful protocols.

Maddy summarySB 434 requires New Mexico public schools to identify students with math or reading deficiencies based on statewide assessment scores in the lowest proficiency level. Schools must notify parents within 30 days of identification and provide individualized accelerated instruction - delivered by trained staff at least three times weekly in 30-minute sessions - within 30 days of identification. The bill mandates high-quality, aligned materials and requires schools to share detailed instruction plans and biweekly progress reports with parents. This directly affects students in New Mexico public schools scoring below proficiency in math or reading, focusing on targeted academic support.

Maddy summarySB 94 extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting certain sex crimes against minors in New Mexico. It modifies the law to allow criminal prosecution for crimes against minors until the victim turns 35, with exceptions for violent first-degree felonies. The bill also adds a provision that pauses the statute of limitations clock until the victim turns 18 or reports the crime to police, whichever occurs first. This change directly affects victims of sexual offenses under specific New Mexico statutes (Sections 30-6-1, 30-9-11, and 30-9-13) and their ability to seek prosecution years after the crime occurred.