Sen. Gabriel Ramos

Maddy summarySB 497 removes the $30,000 cap on the tax exemption for armed forces retirement pay in New Mexico. It directly affects military retirees and their surviving spouses by allowing the full amount of their retirement income to be exempt from state income tax, rather than only the first $30,000. The bill amends Section 7-2-5.13 of New Mexico's tax code to eliminate the specified limit, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. This change would provide broader tax relief for military retirees and their families without altering existing eligibility criteria.

Maddy summarySB 506 proposes setting two-tiered maximum insurance payout limits for properties damaged by fire under New Mexico's FAIR Plan. It would limit coverage to $600,000 for properties in areas served by fire departments rated 8-10 (poorer service), and $750,000 for properties in areas served by better-rated departments (rated 1-7). The bill directly affects homeowners in New Mexico who rely on the FAIR Plan for fire insurance in high-risk areas, as it ties coverage amounts to fire department service quality. The key mechanism defines "nationally recognized insurance service" and bases ratings on factors like staffing, equipment, water supply, and emergency systems. The bill was referred to committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 25 increases penalties for selling or trafficking large quantities of fentanyl in New Mexico. It specifically enhances the basic prison sentence by three years when a court finds that one kilogram or more of fentanyl was sold or trafficked under existing drug laws. This change directly affects individuals convicted of large-scale fentanyl distribution, targeting the most severe cases. The bill modifies sentencing guidelines without altering the underlying criminal statutes.

Maddy summarySB 472 would allow New Mexico cities and counties to authorize off-highway vehicles (like ATVs and recreational dirt bikes) to operate on paved streets and highways within their boundaries, subject to specific safety requirements. To operate under this authorization, vehicles must have headlights, taillights, brakes, mirrors, and mufflers, while operators must hold valid licenses, insurance, and eye protection (with helmets for riders under 18). The bill requires local governments to establish speed limits and operating rules for these vehicles and ensures operators follow standard traffic laws except where conflicting with OHV-specific rules. This directly affects local governments (which can approve usage) and OHV owners/operators who wish to use paved roads.

Maddy summaryHB 315 allocates $250,000 from the general fund to New Mexico State University's Board of Regents to create a statewide archaeology field school education program. The program will be developed collaboratively by the Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and Cultural Affairs Department, targeting students and educators through hands-on archaeological training. The funding is restricted to fiscal year 2026, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund. This is a program-specific appropriation, not a policy change affecting broader legislation.

Maddy summarySB 87 prohibits New Mexico state or local governments from adopting laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations that restrict the use of personnel or resources to assist federal immigration enforcement or interfere with such enforcement. It directly affects counties, cities, and state agencies by preventing them from passing policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The key provision bans any local or state measure that would block officials from using staff or funding to support federal immigration enforcement efforts. This bill does not change federal immigration law but aims to remove state-level barriers to federal enforcement coordination.

Maddy summarySB 195 would add "antisemitic discrimination" to New Mexico's Human Rights Act, defining it as hatred toward Jewish people, those perceived as Jewish, or attacks on their property or religious institutions. It prohibits employers, public accommodations, government entities, and their contractors from engaging in such discrimination. The bill would allow individuals harmed by antisemitic discrimination to file claims under existing Human Rights Act procedures. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the Senate on June 3, 2025, and remains pending.

Maddy summarySB 55 would require New Mexico residential property insurance policies to cover the full cost to repair or replace damaged property without reducing payments for depreciation. This directly affects homeowners, ensuring they receive 100% of the replacement cost (not the depreciated value) after a claim, with reasonable overhead allowed if they self-repair. The bill mandates insurers pay the full replacement cost upon completion of repairs, rather than a reduced amount based on the property's age or wear.

Maddy summarySB 403 would amend New Mexico's insurance code to prohibit insurers from treating an insured's inquiry about damage or loss as a formal claim when the inquiry isn't covered by the policy, no payment is made, and the insured didn't act deceptively. This specifically targets insurers who might pressure policyholders over non-covered issues by labeling them as claims. The bill directly affects New Mexico policyholders and insurers by preventing this practice, requiring insurers to stop treating uncovered inquiries as claims. The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the Senate on June 3, 2025, so it has not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 515 appropriates $1.5 million from the state general fund to the Board of Regents of Western New Mexico University (WNMU) to create and support a men's baseball program during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Any unspent funds at the end of 2027 would revert to the general fund. The bill, introduced by Representatives Terrazas, Ramos, and Brantley, was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025. This is a funding measure for a specific university sports program, not a policy change affecting broader public interests.