Maddy summaryHB 158 creates the Military Base Impact Fund to provide grants for infrastructure projects in communities near military bases affected by potential closures, relocations, or job losses. It directly supports "defense communities" (municipalities, counties, or special districts within a 45-minute commute of a military base) by funding projects that help retain military facilities, replace lost defense jobs, or attract new defense-related employers. Grants cover up to 90% of project costs for infrastructure like roads, utilities, or facilities, with annual funding capped at $4 million. The bill repeals outdated military planning offices and requires the state to report on how funds are used to support military base economic stability.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 146 corrects an outdated reference to U.S. code in New Mexico’s law regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This procedural bill updates the state statute to align with the existing interstate agreement but does not create new policies or protections for military children. The compact itself - already in place across multiple states - aims to ease school transitions for military-connected students by standardizing record transfers, course credits, and enrollment rules. New Mexico’s update ensures its law matches the federal reference without altering how military families access educational support.
Maddy summaryHB 159 requires renewable energy developers (like wind or solar project owners) to notify New Mexico's Military Base Planning Commission Chair within 10 days when submitting projects to the Federal Aviation Administration for military clearance. It mandates providing project details upon submission and sharing the final military approval or adverse impact finding within 10 days of receiving it. This bill directly affects developers of energy projects near military bases by adding a state-level notification step to the federal military review process, effective July 1, 2025. The law does not change military review standards but ensures the state commission is informed of these projects.
Maddy summaryHB 281 exempts hair braiding from New Mexico's cosmetology and barbering licensing requirements. It specifically states that practicing hair braiding (defined as twisting, weaving, or extending hair with accessories) does not require a cosmetology or barber license, and prohibits disciplinary action against unlicensed hair braiders. This directly affects individuals who provide hair braiding services, particularly in communities where this practice is common, allowing them to operate without costly licensing while maintaining existing standards for other services like hairstyling or cosmetology. The law took effect after being signed into law on April 8, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 77 prohibits hedge funds, private equity firms, corporations, and other businesses from purchasing single-family residential properties in New Mexico. This directly affects institutional investors and large-scale commercial buyers seeking to acquire homes in the residential market. The bill's key provision is a blanket ban on such purchases, creating a legal restriction for these entities. The legislation aims to limit institutional ownership of single-family homes, though it does not address individual homeowners or rental properties.