Maddy summaryThis non-binding memorial requests New Mexico state agencies to expand citizen science programs, which involve volunteers collecting environmental data on plants, animals, and water/air quality. It specifically asks the governor to declare a "Citizen Science Day" and directs the public education, outdoor recreation, higher education, and agriculture departments to integrate youth-focused citizen science initiatives based on a prior working group report. The memorial does not create new laws but encourages existing agencies to leverage public participation for data collection and youth STEM engagement. It follows up on House Memorial 34 from 2024, which established the working group that developed the referenced recommendations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 380 creates a Physician Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund by transferring $100 million from the state's general fund. The trust fund will be invested, and each year 5% of its average market value over the prior three years will be distributed to a separate program fund. This program fund will provide specific funding: up to $2.5 million for rural/underserved medical education programs seeking accreditation, up to $500,000 for newly accredited programs, and remaining funds for established accredited programs in those areas. The bill directly affects medical training programs in rural and underserved communities by establishing a dedicated funding mechanism.
Maddy summarySB 416 proposes appropriating $1 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Early Childhood Education and Care Department for fiscal year 2026. It would fund evidence-based online math and reading programs for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade, along with professional development for educators and learning materials for caregivers. The bill aims to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills through targeted, supplemental support. However, the bill was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and has not advanced to become law.
Maddy summarySB 208 increases the annual transfer from New Mexico's Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the Acequia and Community Ditch Infrastructure Fund, doubling the amount from $2.5 million to $5 million per year. This change directly affects acequias (traditional community irrigation systems) and local ditch associations that manage water infrastructure in rural New Mexico. The bill amends existing law to redirect these funds annually starting July 1, 2025, to support maintenance and improvements of irrigation infrastructure. The transfer mechanism is a straightforward reallocation of existing state funds without creating new programs or requirements.
Maddy summarySB 61 lowers the required experience for landscape architect licensure in New Mexico from 10 to 8 years for applicants without a formal degree. It directly affects individuals seeking licensure who lack a landscape architecture degree but have practical work experience. The bill amends licensing rules to allow the Board of Landscape Architects to later increase experience requirements to align with national standards. The key change reduces the barrier to entry for non-degree holders while maintaining the requirement for at least one year of supervised experience. This policy adjustment aims to modernize New Mexico's licensing standards without altering other qualification pathways.
Maddy summarySB 511 restructures New Mexico's audit requirements by adjusting revenue thresholds for local public bodies. It raises the annual revenue exemption from $50,000 to $100,000 for entities like small towns and water associations, while creating tiered audit rules for those above $10,000 in revenue (e.g., $50,000-$250,000 requires simplified reports, $250,000+ needs full financial compilations). The bill also mandates a statewide federal single audit starting in 2028 to comply with federal requirements. These changes directly affect counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts that receive public funds.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial (SM 24) formally recognizes the historical and cultural significance of El Santuario de Chimayo and the Chimayo Pilgrimage to the people of New Mexico. It acknowledges the site's origins with Tewa and Pueblo communities, its 1816 chapel construction, the pilgrimage's growth since WWII, and its current role as a major interfaith site attracting over 300,000 annual visitors. The memorial does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic state acknowledgment of this longstanding cultural and religious tradition. It directs the Senate to transmit a copy to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Maddy summarySB 374 creates the Land Grant-Merced and Acequia Infrastructure Act to provide funding for critical infrastructure projects in New Mexico. It establishes a trust fund that distributes annual money to two dedicated project funds: one for land grant-merced communities (designated political subdivisions under state law) and another for acequias (community irrigation systems organized as political subdivisions). The funds support specific infrastructure like water/wastewater systems, roads, health facilities, irrigation repairs, flood protection, and engineering studies. The bill directs the council (for land grants) and commission (for acequias) to approve project applications and terms, with funding coming from trust fund distributions. The bill passed committee but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 325 creates a new associate degree program in alcohol and drug abuse counseling for qualified inmates at all New Mexico state correctional facilities, including privately operated ones. Luna Community College would grant the degree, while New Mexico Highlands University would develop the curriculum and provide technical support. The bill requires the program to meet accreditation standards and licensing requirements for substance abuse counselors, and appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and beyond to establish and run the program. This policy change directly affects inmates seeking career training, correctional facilities administering the program, and the two participating colleges.
Maddy summarySB 206 amends New Mexico's procurement rules to increase minimum spending thresholds for public works projects (e.g., raising architectural/engineering service requirements from $50,000 to $100,000). It creates new requirements for chief procurement officers, including certification and training, and expands exemptions allowing state/local agencies to bypass standard bidding for specific purchases like IT equipment, child care services, digitized records, and appraisals. The bill also defines "public-private partnership agreements" and modifies bidding procedures, contract terms, and cost documentation rules. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and contractors working with public funds. The bill is pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.