Sen. Candy Ezzell

Maddy summarySB 449 changes venue rules for medical malpractice lawsuits, requiring cases to be filed only in the county where the patient received treatment. It limits recoveries from the Patient's Compensation Fund, requires payments from the fund as expenses occur, and directs 75% of punitive damages to the state. The bill also caps attorney fees in malpractice claims and creates a new Patient Safety Improvement Fund. These changes directly affect patients, healthcare providers, insurers, and the state's medical malpractice compensation system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes procedures for retiring New Mexico state flags that are no longer usable. It requires disposal through burning or another dignified method (like a public ceremony with military or patriotic groups) to honor the flag's significance. The bill applies directly to state agencies responsible for managing official flags, ensuring their retirement follows respectful protocols.

Maddy summarySB 323 designates the New Mexico Horsemens Association as the official horsemen's group under federal law and permits certain gaming machines during race weeks at racetracks. It amends existing regulations to clarify rules for simulcasting races, interstate wagering pools, and pari-mutuel tax collection. The bill also grants the State Auditor authority to audit racetracks and specifies how interstate common pool wagering must operate under federal guidelines. These changes primarily affect racetrack licensees, the Horsemens Association, and state oversight of horse racing operations in New Mexico.

Maddy summarySB 382 would allow businesses selling qualifying gold or silver bullion to deduct those sales from their gross receipts tax. The bill defines "bullion" as refined gold or silver (including bars and ingots) based on mass and purity, excluding jewelry, art, or collectibles. Taxpayers must report the deduction separately, and the deduction will be counted as a tax expenditure in the state budget. The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 243 creates a new "All Cities and Counties Fund" to redirect 8% of New Mexico's gross receipts tax revenue (previously allocated to the state general fund) to local governments. Starting July 1, 2025, the state will transfer this revenue into the fund, with annual distributions to all cities and counties based on a formula considering population size and each area's share of the state's gross receipts tax revenue. The first distributions are scheduled for November 1, 2026, with subsequent annual payments thereafter. This policy ensures all municipalities and counties receive funding proportional to their population and tax contribution.

Maddy summarySB 381 defines "livestock" in New Mexico's criminal code to include farm animals like cattle, horses, sheep, poultry, and exotic species (e.g., ostriches), but explicitly excludes dogs and cats. It changes larceny penalties for stolen livestock, making it a third-degree felony regardless of value (with higher penalties for values over $2,500 or multiple animals), and treats each stolen animal as a separate offense. This directly affects ranchers, farmers, and livestock owners by increasing legal consequences for thefts of their animals. The bill also modifies related provisions for firearm theft but focuses the key changes on livestock-specific penalties.

Maddy summarySB 391 increases civil penalties for air quality violations in New Mexico, setting daily fines up to $15,000 for permit breaches and $25,000 for noncompliance with enforcement orders. It directly affects businesses and facilities operating under air quality permits by raising financial stakes for violations. Key provisions include exempting penalties for self-reported violations with corrective action and for equipment malfunctions when maintenance records are up-to-date. The bill also clarifies legal representation in enforcement cases (e.g., attorney general for state actions) and limits penalty claims to five years from when the violation was known.

Maddy summarySB 257 creates a new Office of Border Security within New Mexico to coordinate border security efforts with federal and local governments. The office will manage construction, security, and maintenance of a physical border fence along New Mexico's border with Mexico, using powers like eminent domain to acquire land and a dedicated $6 million fund ($4 million for fence coordination, $2 million for operations) appropriated from the state general fund through 2029. This bill directly affects landowners near the border and local governments involved in border security projects. The office must coordinate with federal authorities and will disburse funds through state treasury warrants, with unused funds reverting to the general fund by 2029.

Maddy summarySB 412 would amend New Mexico's Veterinary Practice Act to create a new exemption allowing certified non-veterinarians to perform specific equine dental procedures. The exemption applies only to individuals certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry or another board-approved entity, covering procedures like removing enamel points, smoothing teeth, and extracting loose or baby teeth. This change would directly affect certified equine dental technicians and horse owners seeking these services, as it legally permits such care without a veterinary license. The bill does not alter requirements for certification or expand the scope of practice beyond the defined procedures.

Maddy summarySB 185 makes unauthorized use of underground water a criminal offense in New Mexico. It prohibits selling, trading, or using water requiring a state permit without authorization or for purposes not approved by the state engineer. Violators face a fourth-degree felony charge, a $1,000 fine per 42-gallon barrel, and potential sentencing under existing law. The state attorney general or district attorneys can enforce this law to address illegal groundwater extraction. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses using underground water without proper permits or for disallowed purposes.