Sen. Nicole Tobiassen

Maddy summarySB 268 allocates $2.5 million from the state general fund to fund athletics for the University of New Mexico (UNM) and New Mexico State University (NMSU) for fiscal year 2026. UNM receives the full amount directly, while NMSU’s funding is contingent on hiring an athletic director with at least five years of experience in name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy. Any unspent funds by the end of fiscal year 2026 will revert to the state general fund. This bill directly affects UNM and NMSU athletics departments through targeted budget allocations with specific conditions for NMSU.

Maddy summarySB 448 (New Mexico Senate Bill 448) allows small employers with 50 or fewer employees to choose not to withhold income tax from their employees' wages. Instead, these employers must notify the state tax department and inform employees that they are responsible for making their own quarterly estimated tax payments. The bill applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and directly affects small businesses and their employees by shifting tax withholding responsibility. It does not change tax rates or liability but modifies the withholding process for qualifying employers. The bill is currently pending before committees after being postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 454 modifies retirement credit requirements for New Mexico public safety employees. It increases credited service by 20% for qualifying state police, correctional officers, probation officers, and fire members who were employed or retired by June 30, 2013, to help them meet retirement eligibility. The bill adjusts age and service requirements for municipal police retirement plans (Plans 1-4) to align with these changes. Effective dates vary: probation officers saw adjustments starting July 1, 2021, while fire members' changes apply from July 1, 2024. The bill is pending before the Senate committees after being postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 299 requires New Mexico's Secretary of State to send written notice to county commissioners in a legislative district within 15 days when a state representative or senator's seat becomes vacant. This bill directly affects county commissioners, ensuring they are promptly informed about vacancies in their district's legislative office. It amends existing law to establish this notification process, replacing the previous requirement for the Secretary to notify only the affected legislative office. The bill is procedural and does not alter substantive policy or create new obligations beyond this administrative notification.

Maddy summarySB 300 appropriates $10 million from the state general fund to the Higher Education Department for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to expand access to and enrollment in adult literacy programs across New Mexico. The bill directly affects adult learners seeking to improve reading, writing, and communication skills, as well as the state's adult education providers. Key provisions include allocating funds specifically for statewide program expansion and requiring unspent balances by the end of 2027 to revert to the general fund. The legislation focuses on increasing funding availability rather than creating new program requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that foster children are not considered residents of foster homes for homeowners insurance purposes. It directly affects foster children, foster families, and insurance providers by preventing insurers from denying coverage based solely on a child's foster placement status. The key provision adds to New Mexico's insurance code to state that minors in foster care cannot be disqualified from premises liability coverage due to their foster status. This creates a specific policy change to ensure consistent insurance coverage for foster children without requiring additional legal or administrative steps.

Maddy summarySB 220 requires New Mexico state agencies to publicly post the terms of legal settlement agreements within 30 days on the Sunshine Portal if they settle claims without involving the risk management division. It also establishes "loss prevention review teams" to investigate serious incidents like deaths, serious injuries, or major financial losses exceeding $250,000, which must recommend prevention strategies and submit detailed reports to agency leaders and the risk management director. Agencies must provide these teams with full access to relevant documents and personnel during investigations. Annual reports on these reviews will be submitted to the legislature, aiming to improve transparency and prevent future incidents.

Maddy summarySB 100 increases the maximum allowable debt for the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority from $80 million to $120 million. This change directly affects the authority, allowing it to borrow more money for flood control infrastructure projects without needing additional voter approval for amounts up to the new limit. The key provision modifies the existing statute (Section 72-16-44) to raise the debt ceiling, requiring state legislative approval only if the authority exceeds $120 million in outstanding debt. The bill became effective July 1, 2025, after passing the legislature and being signed into law.

Maddy summarySB 401 creates a new Education Technology Infrastructure Fund to provide up to $10 million annually in state bonds for public school technology infrastructure. It directly affects New Mexico public schools by funding broadband access and connectivity improvements through the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. The bill authorizes the Office to certify annual funding needs, with proceeds from supplemental severance tax bonds allocated to the new fund. It transfers existing broadband programs from the Public School Facilities Authority to the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to streamline implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 167 requires New Mexico's Higher Education Department to cover the full cost of high school equivalency credential tests and associated test preparation for eligible residents. It directly affects New Mexico residents who are at least 16 years old, not currently enrolled in high school, have no high school diploma or equivalency certificate, and have passed a practice test indicating readiness. The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to pay these costs, with any unused funds reverting to the general fund. This policy change makes high school equivalency testing free and accessible for qualifying adults seeking to earn their credential.