Sen. Joshua Sanchez

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 251 expands New Mexico's retirement rules to allow certain retired peace officers (like police and sheriffs) to return to public sector work without having their pension benefits suspended during employment. The bill amends Section 10-11-8 of the state retirement law to include peace officers in the existing exception categories, which previously covered roles like legislators, election workers, and elected officials. Under this change, retired peace officers returning to work would retain their pension benefits during employment - unlike the standard rule where pensions are paused - and would not accrue new service credit or make contributions during that period. This policy change directly affects retired peace officers seeking to return to state or local law enforcement jobs.

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 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 summarySB 409 would establish the second Monday in February as a new public holiday called "Football Monday" in New Mexico, replacing the existing designation for President's Day. This change would directly affect state government operations and public employees, who typically have the day off on legal holidays. The bill amends New Mexico's legal holiday statute to add "Football Monday" as a new designated holiday while removing the previous reference to "Washington's and Lincoln's birthday." The bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session but was postponed indefinitely by the Senate on June 3, 2025.

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 439, the "Deceptive Franchise Practices Act," prohibits franchisors from including unfair terms in agreements with franchisees operating in New Mexico (including non-resident franchisees running local businesses). It bans provisions requiring exclusive purchases from franchisors when comparable alternatives exist, allowing franchisors to compete unfairly in a franchisee's territory, imposing unreasonable price increases on pre-ordered goods, or forcing franchisees to pay indeterminate advertising costs. The bill also prohibits coercive practices like threatening termination to force franchisees into unwanted agreements or purchases. If enacted, it would directly affect franchisees in New Mexico by making specific contractual terms and business practices unlawful.

Maddy summarySB 478 would create a new State Aviation Commission to oversee New Mexico's aviation policy. The commission, composed of five members (including two airport managers and two FAA-certified pilots appointed by the governor), would determine all policy for the Aviation Division and appoint its director. It would administratively attach the Aviation Division to the Department of Transportation and require quarterly public meetings with advance notice. This bill directly affects New Mexico's airport operations, aviation division staff, and federal aviation regulations governing state airports. The commission's key role would be setting policy for airport funding and operations, replacing current administrative structures.

Maddy summarySB 306 appropriates $1 million from the state general fund to support new police departments in Valencia County communities with populations under 5,000. The funds cover start-up costs like officer salaries, training, and equipment for these small-town departments during fiscal year 2026. Any unspent funds at year-end must return to the state general fund. This bill directly affects Valencia County communities meeting the population threshold by providing dedicated state funding for local law enforcement infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 350 appropriates $6 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Health Care Authority for a housing stabilization program targeting people transitioning from incarceration or homelessness back into community housing. The funding, effective in fiscal year 2026, will directly support housing needs for this reentry population through a dedicated program administered by the Health Care Authority. Any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2026 must revert to the general fund. The bill was referred to committees, passed committee review, but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.