Sen. Leo Jaramillo

Maddy summaryThis bill allows financial institutions (like broker-dealers and investment advisers) to temporarily delay transactions from accounts of vulnerable adults if they suspect financial exploitation. It requires institutions to notify all authorized account parties and state agencies within two business days, with delays initially lasting up to 15 days. Extensions can be granted for up to 30 days total if agencies request them or if a court orders additional protection. The law directly affects vulnerable adults at risk of financial abuse and the financial institutions managing their accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 258 requires oil and gas operators in New Mexico to capture at least 98% of natural gas produced or gathered by their facilities starting January 1, 2027, directly affecting operators of oil/gas wells and natural gas gathering systems. The bill allows exceptions for gas released during emergencies, beneficially used by operators, or vented due to specific operational needs (like nitrogen/hydrogen sulfide impurities or exploratory wells). Operators must meet this capture rate annually, with the state division creating implementing rules. The bill was referred to committees and passed amendments but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 350 appropriates $6 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Health Care Authority for a housing stabilization program targeting people transitioning from incarceration or homelessness back into community housing. The funding, effective in fiscal year 2026, will directly support housing needs for this reentry population through a dedicated program administered by the Health Care Authority. Any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2026 must revert to the general fund. The bill was referred to committees, passed committee review, but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 352 reorganizes New Mexico's magistrate courts by closing certain local offices and consolidating operations in specific districts. It merges divisions in Grant (moving all operations to Silver City by 2027), relocates San Juan District courts from Farmington to Aztec (effective 2027), and adjusts locations for courts in McKinley, Santa Fe, Torrance, Dona Ana, and Lea counties. The bill changes where judges hold court sessions, modifies election districts for magistrate judges, and updates travel routes for judges serving satellite locations. These changes directly affect court operations and accessibility for residents in the affected counties.

Maddy summarySB 47 adds the Santa Cruz de la Canada Land Grant-Merced to the list of land grants governed under New Mexico's Chapter 49, Article 1 statutes. This procedural bill formally includes the Santa Cruz de la Canada community (located in Santa Fe County) under the existing legal framework that applies to other historic land grants. It does not change governance mechanisms but ensures this specific grant is explicitly covered by current state land grant laws. The bill was signed into law after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 327 creates a "Lowrider Capital of the World" special license plate for vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles in New Mexico, directly affecting vehicle owners who choose to apply for it. Owners pay an initial fee ($50 for cars/trucks/tow trailers, $40 for motorcycles) plus a $20 annual renewal, with fees funding both plate production and cultural programs through the Cultural Affairs Department. The bill includes a sunset provision: starting in 2029, plate issuance for any category will stop if annual demand falls below 50% of 2026-2027 averages. This bill was passed by the House but vetoed on April 11, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 69 establishes a 4.35-hour multiplier for teaching hours worked by adjunct and contingent faculty at New Mexico public colleges when applying for federal student loan forgiveness. This means each actual teaching hour counts as 4.35 hours toward the 120-month requirement, helping part-time faculty qualify more easily. The bill requires colleges to certify employment for eligible staff without delay and provide clear information about the program. It applies to hours worked on or after October 1, 2007, and does not change actual work hours or payment.

Maddy summarySB 267 requires landlords in New Mexico to clearly disclose all application fees to housing applicants and refund these fees if the application is rejected. It also mandates landlords to notify applicants of upcoming fee increases and extends the required notice period for rent hikes. The bill reduces the maximum allowable late fee and expands renters' legal options for resolving disputes. This law directly affects renters applying for housing and landlords managing rental properties, taking effect after being signed into law on April 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 24 transfers administration of the Community Governance Attorney program from the Higher Education Department to the University of New Mexico School of Law. It also allows counties and municipalities with designated colonias, plus state agencies, to directly hire community governance attorneys. The bill modifies the existing tuition waiver program, which provides law students with tuition coverage in exchange for working as community governance attorneys, requiring repayment with interest (18% if not employed in the role, 7% otherwise) over up to 10 years. This changes how the program is managed and expands who can utilize the attorney hiring mechanism.

Maddy summarySB 159 allows independent theaters in New Mexico to serve beer and wine during movie screenings or events, directly affecting qualifying theaters that meet specific criteria (single location, New Mexico-based, operating for at least one year). The bill establishes a $100 annual license fee, limits service to two 12-ounce beers or two 6-ounce wine servings per customer per event, and requires local government approval. The license cannot be transferred between locations or individuals, and servers must hold valid permits. It takes effect July 1, 2025.