Sen. Pat Woods

Maddy summarySB 434 requires New Mexico public schools to identify students with math or reading deficiencies based on statewide assessment scores in the lowest proficiency level. Schools must notify parents within 30 days of identification and provide individualized accelerated instruction - delivered by trained staff at least three times weekly in 30-minute sessions - within 30 days of identification. The bill mandates high-quality, aligned materials and requires schools to share detailed instruction plans and biweekly progress reports with parents. This directly affects students in New Mexico public schools scoring below proficiency in math or reading, focusing on targeted academic support.

Maddy summarySB 515 restores specific election procedures for the Arch Hurley Conservancy District, which were previously repealed by the Local Election Act. The bill sets election timing (odd-numbered years on the second Tuesday of October), defines how directors are elected (one municipal director from the municipality and one at-large director from the entire district), and establishes requirements for candidate filings, public notice, and election administration. It directly affects voters and officials within the Arch Hurley Conservancy District by governing how its board members are selected. The bill does not change the district's governance structure or policy responsibilities, only the mechanics of its elections.

Maddy summarySB 139 prohibits New Mexico state and local agencies from adopting or enforcing rules that restrict vehicle sales or purchases based on energy source (like banning electric or gas vehicles) or mandate specific percentages of zero-emission vehicles. It directly affects state environmental agencies, local boards, and municipalities responsible for air quality regulations under the Air Quality Control Act. The bill blocks three key rule types: (1) rules limiting vehicles by energy source, (2) rules banning internal combustion engine vehicles, and (3) rules requiring a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles. This prevents regulatory actions that would favor or restrict certain vehicle types, focusing solely on prohibiting those specific policy mechanisms.

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 summaryThis Senate Joint Memorial requests the governor to direct state agencies to urgently coordinate converting agricultural water resources to municipal use for Portales and Roosevelt County. It addresses critical aquifer depletion (65% loss since 2000) and current drought restrictions by proposing to utilize an existing pipeline infrastructure to supplement drinking water from a nearby dairy's agricultural water rights. The memorial specifically references a July 2024 agreement with a dairy operator adjacent to the pipeline to facilitate this near-term water conversion. It does not create new law or funding but seeks emergency coordination to address immediate water shortages affecting approximately 20,000 residents.

Maddy summarySB 131 prohibits the state board from adopting rules requiring vehicle manufacturers to produce or deliver a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles for sale. It directly affects automakers and the state environmental agency by blocking a specific regulatory mandate that was part of earlier clean transportation legislation. The bill amends Section 74-1-18 to explicitly state the board "shall not adopt or continue in effect a rule that requires a manufacturer to produce or deliver for sale a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles." The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the Senate committees on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 55 would require New Mexico residential property insurance policies to cover the full cost to repair or replace damaged property without reducing payments for depreciation. This directly affects homeowners, ensuring they receive 100% of the replacement cost (not the depreciated value) after a claim, with reasonable overhead allowed if they self-repair. The bill mandates insurers pay the full replacement cost upon completion of repairs, rather than a reduced amount based on the property's age or wear.

Maddy summarySB 281 requires New Mexico rural electric cooperatives to create and maintain detailed wildfire prevention plans, including vegetation management, system inspections, and emergency protocols. These plans must be reviewed by the Forestry Division and approved by the Public Regulation Commission within 45 days, with public posting required. If approved, cooperatives gain liability protections in wildfire-related lawsuits, including limits on damage awards and a two-year deadline for filing claims. The law directly affects rural electric co-ops by mandating proactive safety measures while balancing service continuity and public safety.

Maddy summarySB 114 would change how New Mexico's State Game Commission acquires land or water rights for conservation purposes. The bill requires the commission to obtain approval from acequia associations, land grant communities, county commissioners, and the legislature before purchasing land or water rights. This adds multiple new approval steps to the existing process, directly affecting the commission's ability to expand game refuges, hatcheries, or public hunting grounds. The bill also includes new reporting requirements for these acquisitions. (Note: The bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and remains pending.)

Maddy summarySB 432 creates a new Behavioral Health Grant Program to fund community-based mental health services for counties and municipalities. It establishes a dedicated fund financed by 2% of liquor excise tax revenue and 5% of cannabis excise tax revenue, which will be distributed to local governments for prevention, treatment, and screening programs. To qualify, applicants must submit adopted behavioral health plans and prioritize evidence-based or research-based approaches, with special attention to children's services and equitable geographic distribution. The program requires grantees to report annually on program outcomes and effectiveness, administered by the state's local government division.