Sen. Shannon Pinto

Maddy summarySB 413 increases the portion of New Mexico’s severance tax permanent fund that can be invested in New Mexico private equity funds or businesses from 11% to 14%. It requires these investments to support the state’s economic development goals, with specific definitions for qualifying businesses (e.g., those with principal offices or majority employees in New Mexico) and private equity funds (e.g., those focusing on NM-based growth). The bill also allows targeted investments in aerospace businesses receiving federal awards or technology-focused ventures partnering with state universities. All investments must follow council-approved guidelines and require semiannual reporting to the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 436 appropriates $100 million from New Mexico's general fund to the Workforce Solutions Department for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. The funding is specifically intended to cover rising operational costs caused by increased client demand for the department's services. Unspent funds at year-end will not return to the general fund, ensuring continued support for growing service needs. This bill directly affects the department's ability to serve more residents seeking workforce programs like job training and employment assistance.

Maddy summarySB 431 changes how New Mexico distributes liquor tax revenue. It allocates 94% of liquor excise tax revenue to a new Local Alcohol Harms Alleviation Fund (replacing the previous DWI fund) and 6% to the Drug Court Fund, while creating a separate Tribal Alcohol Harms Alleviation Fund funded by a new surtax on liquor retailers. The bill also excludes liquor excise taxes from the definition of "gross receipts" in another tax law and requires legislative committees to review liquor tax rates and distributions. These changes directly affect local governments receiving funds for alcohol treatment programs, tribal communities accessing the new tribal fund, and liquor retailers paying the surtax.

Maddy summarySB 271 revises New Mexico's Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) membership to 16 total members (eight from the House and eight from the Senate), reducing the previous total. It adjusts the appointment process to ensure proportional party representation in each chamber and requires at least one minority member from each house. The bill also clarifies vacancy procedures and alternates leadership roles between the Senate and House every two years. Introduced in the 2025 legislative session, the bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 353 establishes standardized protocols for notifying New Mexico's state search and rescue (SAR) control agency during emergencies. It requires emergency dispatchers, law enforcement, and public service staff at federal, state, and local agencies to immediately notify the state SAR control agency (Department of Public Safety) when a SAR emergency occurs, using clear reporting steps. The bill also mandates training for these personnel and specifies that agencies must notify requesters and relevant jurisdictions (like federal land managers) after activating SAR resources. This directly affects all emergency responders across New Mexico who handle SAR requests, aiming to streamline coordination without delaying other agency responses.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial 9 is a non-binding request for a working group to study New Mexico's 520 Native American Language and Cultural Certification Program. It directly affects 133 certified Native American language teachers and students who earn state seals for indigenous language proficiency, as well as tribal nations and school districts managing the program. The working group will examine the program's structure, salary implementation, advancement pathways, and data systems to improve its effectiveness. The group must include tribal representatives, educators, and state education officials, with recommendations due by December 2025. This memorial does not change existing law but seeks to strengthen an existing program that supports cultural preservation and equitable teacher compensation.