Sen. Pat Woods

Maddy summarySB 97 would provide $19.7 million in state funding to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes in New Mexico for fiscal year 2026. This direct funding, sourced from the general fund and administered by the Health Care Authority, aims to raise payments to nursing homes that care for Medicaid patients. Any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2026 would revert to the general fund. The bill was referred to committees and passed a committee report but was later postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 176 sets new limits on recoverable damages in New Mexico medical malpractice cases, capping total non-punitive awards per injury based on provider type and year (e.g., $750,000 for hospitals in 2022, rising to $6 million by 2027 with annual inflation adjustments). It requires payments from the Patient Compensation Fund to be made as medical expenses occur, directs 75% of punitive damages to the state, and creates a Patient Safety Improvement Fund. The bill also limits attorney fees in malpractice claims and adjusts caps annually using the consumer price index. These changes directly affect patients filing malpractice suits, healthcare providers, and the state’s compensation and safety funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 339 appropriates $12 million from the state general fund to the New Mexico Department of Environment for planning, designing, constructing, replacing, and improving water lines in Curry County. The funding is allocated for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund by the end of 2028. The bill directly affects Curry County's water infrastructure by providing state resources for system upgrades. The bill was passed by relevant committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 447 requires the New Mexico legislature to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its own parking facility. By December 31, 2026, at least 43% of parking spaces in the underground garage beneath the legislature building must have EV charging stations. The bill defines an electric vehicle as one powered by a rechargeable battery and specifies that an EV charging station transfers electricity from an external source to the vehicle. This requirement directly applies only to the legislature’s parking operations and does not extend to other state buildings or public infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 182 sets maximum insurance coverage limits for the New Mexico General Services Department's Risk Management Division. It caps property damage insurance at $500,000 and general liability insurance at $1,050,000, directly affecting state agencies that rely on this division for insurance procurement. The bill amends existing law to establish these specific dollar limits for public liability coverage, ensuring state spending on insurance remains within defined thresholds. This change applies to all state entities using the Risk Management Division's insurance services under the Tort Claims Act.

Maddy summarySB 346 allocates $5 million in state funds for capital improvements across New Mexico during fiscal years 2025-2026. It directly affects local governments and communities by funding specific projects like a new fire truck in Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), critical incident response vehicles for Las Cruces police (Dona Ana County), career technical education equipment for Lovington schools, and senior meal programs in Grant/Hidalgo/Luna counties. The bill provides targeted funding for community needs including youth programs, public safety equipment, fire stations, and educational resources without creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial 16 is a non-binding resolution passed by the New Mexico Senate opposing the U.S. Department of Energy's proposed "southwestern grid connector" national interest electric transmission corridor in eastern New Mexico. It specifically targets the federal use of eminent domain (government seizure of private land without consent) to build transmission infrastructure, which would directly affect farmers, ranchers, and small businesses relying on agricultural land for their livelihoods. The resolution calls on federal agencies and New Mexico's congressional delegation to reject eminent domain for this project and instead pursue alternatives that protect private property rights, local economies, and sustainable farming practices. It emphasizes that land seizures could disrupt generational operations, harm soil and water resources, and reduce property tax revenues for rural counties.

Maddy summarySB 56 would allow New Mexico's Livestock Board to restrict public access to certain livestock-related information during a disease epidemic. This includes operational details (like farm locations, financial data, livestock movements, and account numbers), disease information that could identify individuals or locations, and ongoing investigation records. The board must redact confidential elements when sharing information and cannot withhold data if an investigation concludes with a violation. The bill also ensures individuals can access their own information and requires disclosure only when necessary to address immediate health threats.

Maddy summaryHB 37 appropriates $250,000 from New Mexico's general fund to New Mexico Highlands University's board of regents for a feasibility study on potentially acquiring the privately owned Star Axis sculptural observatory in San Miguel County. The study would assess costs for public access upgrades, long-term operations, educational partnerships with colleges, and creating a state land art tourism network. The bill, which was postponed indefinitely in June 2025, does not authorize acquisition but only examines the possibility through a study. It directly affects state budget resources and the observatory's future status, with funds expiring unused by 2027.

Maddy summarySB 533 is a placeholder bill with no substantive policy provisions described in the provided text. It was introduced by Senator Pat Woods in New Mexico's 2025 legislative session but contains no specific mechanisms or changes to law. The bill was referred to the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee on February 20, 2025, and was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025. As it lacks detailed content in the summary, it does not directly affect any specific group or establish concrete policy changes. This appears to be a procedural bill that did not advance beyond committee consideration.