Maddy summaryHB 253 requires New Mexico school districts and charter schools to report projected enrollment numbers for students in distance learning programs. It changes school funding calculations by excluding distance learning students from membership counts used to determine state funding, and establishes a new approval process for these programs requiring state education department review. The bill also sets enrollment limits for distance learning with specific exceptions, clarifies requirements for students with disabilities in such programs, and renames the "Statewide Cyber Academy Act" as the "Distance Learning Act" while updating related definitions. These changes directly affect school districts, charter schools, and students enrolled in distance learning programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 19 adjusts New Mexico's public school funding calculation for fiscal year 2026 by resetting the "unit value" used to determine state education funding. It requires the Secretary of Public Education to adjust this value by February 27, 2026, based on statewide unit counts after consulting with finance departments and legislative committees. This change directly affects all public schools in New Mexico by altering the formula for calculating their state funding allocation for that fiscal year. The bill is a temporary adjustment for FY2026, not a permanent change to the school finance system.
Maddy summarySB 211 creates a 30% tax credit for businesses spending at least $3 million on infrastructure for quantum technology research facilities in New Mexico, capped at $50 million per facility. It directly affects companies building such facilities (excluding U.S. government-operated sites) by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability through a two-step certification process with the economic development department. The credit expires for taxable years ending before 2035, with a total state spending limit of $75 million (increasing to $150 million if New Mexico wins a specific federal quantum grant). The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 235 requires New Mexico public school districts and charter schools to develop math professional learning plans for teachers and implement a math intervention process starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates that math coaches hold specialist endorsements and requires schools to use early math screeners for K-5 students to identify difficulties, with written parental notification and monthly progress updates if a student is identified. The bill also establishes a state math instructional leadership framework for administrators and requires research-based interventions during core instruction or through targeted support. These changes directly affect K-5 students, their parents, school staff, and district administrators. The bill does not specify funding sources but notes implementation depends on available resources.
Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 15) proposes changing New Mexico's education governance structure. It would replace the current elected Public Education Commission with an appointed State Board of Education, which would appoint the Superintendent of Public Instruction to lead the public education department. The amendment keeps the elected commission as the authority for charter schools and retains its existing responsibilities. The proposed changes require voter approval at the next general election.
Maddy summarySB 437 prohibits corporal punishment (like spanking) in New Mexico early childhood education, primary, and secondary schools. It requires all schools receiving state benefits (such as funding, licenses, or contracts) to adopt a written policy banning physical punishment on their premises. The bill establishes this as state policy, meaning schools must formally prohibit the practice to maintain state relationships. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 344 allocates $2 million from the state general fund to New Mexico's Public Education Department for vision and hearing screenings for all kindergarten through fourth-grade public school students. The funding is designated for fiscal year 2026, requiring the department to use the funds for these screenings within that timeframe. Any unspent balance at the end of fiscal year 2026 must revert to the general fund. This bill directly affects K-4 students in New Mexico public schools by providing a dedicated funding source for these health screenings.
Maddy summarySB 102 creates a two-year pilot program (2025-2027) administered by New Mexico's Department of Health to study the impact of a universal basic income on low-income pregnant people. It would provide $1,500 monthly payments to eligible participants (pregnant individuals with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level) for pregnancy through their infant's first year, alongside mandatory home visits, surveys, and prenatal care attendance. The program requires a control group (not receiving payments) and mandates compliance with these requirements, with non-compliance moving participants to the control group. Funded by $80 million from the general fund (2026-2027), the study aims to evaluate financial impacts, but the bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and has not advanced.
Maddy summarySJR 8 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would add Section 25 to New Mexico's state constitution, establishing specific rights for children. It would guarantee children the rights to healthcare (medical, dental, behavioral), nutritious food, safe housing with utilities, transportation to services, home visitation programs, early childhood education, fully resourced community schools with health centers, youth mentorship, and job readiness skills. The amendment requires the legislature to later pass implementing laws before these rights take effect. Currently, the resolution was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and remains pending.
Maddy summarySB 542's substantive content is not provided in the available context, only its title and procedural history. The bill's title relates to public peace, health, safety, and welfare, but no specific provisions, affected groups, or mechanisms are described. Recent actions show it was not printed by the Senate Education Committee on February 20, 2025, and was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025. Without bill text or a policy summary, a detailed explanation of its effects cannot be generated.