Sen. Bill Soules

Maddy summarySB 212 creates a tax credit for New Mexico national laboratories that receive federal funds for quantum testing and evaluation services or quantum device fabrication, matching the federal funds dollar-for-dollar. The credit is capped at $15 million per year per laboratory and $60 million total across all laboratories, requiring certification from the Economic Development Department and claiming within one year of receiving federal funds. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to 60 years, and the credit expires July 1, 2035. The bill aims to support quantum industry growth in New Mexico by aligning state tax incentives with federal quantum initiatives.

Maddy summaryBased solely on the provided context, SB 540's specific provisions are not described in the bill text or summary. The document only includes the bill's title, introductory header, and a note that it was "action postponed indefinitely" by the Senate Education Committee on June 3, 2025. No concrete policy changes, affected groups, or mechanisms are detailed in the given information. Without the bill's actual text or a substantive summary, a factual description of its content cannot be provided.

Maddy summarySB 479 appropriates $200,000 from New Mexico's general fund to the Department of Transportation for a feasibility study on building a high-speed passenger rail system within the state. The study, to be completed in fiscal year 2026, will assess whether constructing such a rail line is practical and cost-effective. This bill directly affects the Department of Transportation, which will conduct the analysis, and indirectly impacts New Mexico residents who may benefit from future transportation options. The legislation does not authorize actual rail construction, only a preliminary assessment of its feasibility.

Maddy summaryBased solely on the provided context, SB 541 has no substantive text or provisions described. It was introduced by Senator William P. Soules for the 2025 New Mexico legislative session, referred to the Senate Education Committee, and then postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025. No specific policy changes, affected groups, or mechanisms are detailed in the available information. The bill appears stalled with no further action documented.

Maddy summarySJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace New Mexico's Public Education Commission with a State School Board. The new board would set public education policy, manage school funding distribution, and oversee the Public Education Department. It would consist of 10 elected members (by district, serving four-year terms) and 5 appointed members (selected by the governor with requirements for tribal representation and political balance). This amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 427 appropriates $60 million from the general fund to the Health Care Authority to create new physician residency programs and positions across New Mexico. The funding is allocated for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, specifically targeting the expansion of medical training opportunities for doctors. Any unspent funds at the end of 2028 must return to the state general fund. This bill directly affects medical residency programs and future physicians by providing dedicated state funding for new training positions.

Maddy summaryHB 32 allows New Mexico public school districts to replace diesel school buses with electric or zero-emission alternatives during their standard 12-year replacement cycle. The bill requires the state to provide funding for these electric buses and charging infrastructure, covering the full cost if districts secure less than half their funding from non-state sources. It also permits school districts to use idle electric buses as mobile energy storage - supplying grid services or reducing school electricity demand during emergencies - through agreements with utilities. The policy directly affects all New Mexico public school districts and utilities managing grid services.

Maddy summarySB 79 creates a grant program to help publicly owned airports in New Mexico install unleaded aviation fuel systems. The program offers competitive grants of up to $200,000 per airport to eligible applicants, including tribal nations, pueblos, and local governments that own airports lacking current unleaded fuel access. It is funded by a $5 million state appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and beyond, with unspent funds remaining in the program rather than reverting to the general fund. This initiative aims to expand access to unleaded aviation fuel, defined as alcohol-free gasoline with minimal lead content, at airports that currently only offer leaded fuel.

Maddy summarySB 52 adjusts reimbursement rates for New Mexico public officials traveling on official business using privately owned vehicles or airplanes. It updates existing law to require reimbursement at the U.S. General Services Administration's standard mileage rate for privately owned automobiles and aircraft, rather than previous state-specific rates. This change directly affects legislators and other public officers who use personal vehicles or planes for state business. The bill was passed by the Senate in March 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the House committees in June 2025. It focuses solely on aligning travel reimbursement calculations with federal standards.

Maddy summarySB 109 clarifies the roles of New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission (PRC) and its supporting staff agency, distinguishing the three-member regulatory body from its administrative staff. It updates the nominating committee structure to require geographic diversity in commissioner candidates and mandates that commissioners complete annual ethics training and 32 hours of relevant continuing education. The bill also specifies prohibited conflicts of interest for commissioners and their staff. These changes directly affect PRC commissioners, the nominating committee members, and individuals applying for PRC positions.