Sen. Liz Stefanics

Maddy summaryThis New Mexico bill requires state license applications for hunting, fishing, and concealed handgun permits to include a checkbox allowing applicants to indicate their status as organ donors. The legislation establishes a statewide registry managed by the Motor Vehicle Division where these donor preferences are recorded and maintained. Authorized medical personnel can access the registry to verify a person's donor status before or after their death, ensuring their wishes are honored. The bill also mandates that specific donor language be printed on all application forms starting January 1, 2026, and requires witnesses to sign the forms for new donors.

Maddy summaryHB 21 changes the revenue thresholds that determine the percentage of annual distributions land grant-merced communities receive from New Mexico's Land Grant-Mercy Assistance Fund. The bill adjusts the income levels qualifying for full (100%), 75%, 50%, or 25% distributions and makes the fund nonreverting, meaning any remaining balance at year-end stays in the fund instead of reverting to the general fund. This directly affects land grant-merced communities meeting compliance requirements under the fund's rules. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 181 amends New Mexico's Local Economic Development Act to expand the definition of "qualifying entity" eligible for state economic development support. It specifically adds "independent medical practices" (like non-hospital clinics) and "veterinary facilities" to the list of entities that can qualify. This change allows these new categories to access public support mechanisms such as land, infrastructure, grants, or loan guarantees under the Act, without altering existing support rules. The bill does not change how support is provided, only who qualifies for it.

Maddy summarySB 183 appropriates $100,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support economic development in the Lower Estancia Valley. The funds would contract with a local economic development organization to strengthen business income potential, promote civic and cultural programs, and address barriers to business growth in the community. This one-time appropriation expires at year-end, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 75 appropriates $43 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Health for fiscal year 2026, directly funding all county and tribal health councils statewide. The bill specifies that funds must cover staff salaries, expanding health services, coordinating with state health agencies and Medicaid/Medicare providers, community outreach, public health initiatives, and operational costs like office expenses. An additional $1 million is allocated for a nonprofit to provide training and technical assistance to these councils. The funding is intended to support the councils' existing roles under the County and Tribal Health Councils Act, with unspent balances reverting to the general fund by year-end.

Maddy summarySB 98 prohibits restrictive clauses in property deeds, contracts, or agreements (effective after 1978) that increase solar panel installation costs by more than 10% or $1,500, or reduce panel efficiency by more than 10%. Such restrictions are now void and unenforceable, and the prevailing party in enforcement lawsuits may recover attorney fees. The bill directly affects homeowners, property owners, and solar installers by removing barriers to solar adoption. It aims to lower costs and maintain efficiency for solar energy systems without advocating for specific outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 80 requires New Mexico insurance companies selling Medicare supplement policies to offer an annual open enrollment period starting on each eligible policyholder's birthday month and lasting at least 60 days. This directly affects seniors aged 65+ who have Medicare supplement insurance in New Mexico, allowing them to switch plans without health-based denial, price discrimination, or delays. During this window, insurers must notify policyholders 30-60 days in advance about their enrollment dates and rights. The bill prohibits insurers from using health status, medical history, or claims experience to deny coverage or adjust premiums during this period.

Maddy summarySB 151 amends New Mexico's Magistrate Retirement Act to adjust eligibility requirements and pension calculations for magistrate judges who became members on or after July 1, 2014. It increases the required years of service credit from five to eight years for judges aged 65 or older to qualify for normal retirement (Section 2). The bill also revises the pension formula for these judges, replacing a 5% multiplier for pre-2014 service with a 3.5% multiplier for post-2014 service, calculated using a different salary averaging method (Section 3). These changes directly affect current and future magistrate judges under the state retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 80 amends New Mexico's Personal Insurance Credit Information Act to prohibit insurers from using credit scores or credit information to set rates, deny coverage, or renew policies for personal insurance (like auto, home, or motorcycle insurance). It specifically bans considering factors such as race, gender, occupation, or education in credit-based scoring and requires insurers to update credit information every 36 months. Insurers cannot deny coverage based solely on credit history without evaluating other underwriting factors permitted by law. This directly affects all insurance companies operating in New Mexico for personal insurance policies.

Maddy summaryHB 307, the Internet Privacy & Safety Act, requires online service companies operating in New Mexico to limit how they collect, use, and share consumer data. It prohibits selling or sharing personal data without explicit consent, bans deceptive "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing data, and creates new rights for consumers to access or correct their information. The law specifically protects minors by restricting data collection based on age or children-focused features. It also prevents companies from denying service to users who exercise their privacy rights or from waiving those protections. The bill applies to for-profit entities offering online services to New Mexico residents, including those handling biometric data or using targeted advertising.