Rep. Meredith Dixon

Maddy summaryHB 284 creates a new Office of Energy Information within New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The office will require energy companies (including oil/gas producers, utilities, and distributors) to submit annual data on energy use, emissions, costs, and operations, while protecting confidential business information. It must compile this data into public annual reports starting January 1, 2027, analyzing energy sector trends and costs. The bill also mandates state agencies and tribes to share relevant data and appropriates $3 million for the office's 2027 operations.

Maddy summaryHB 290 extends the property tax exemption period for redevelopment projects in New Mexico's metropolitan areas from 10 to 20 years. It applies to properties acquired by municipalities on or after January 1, 1986, under the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code. During this extended exemption, lessees and owners with substantial beneficial interest must pay annual "payments in lieu of taxes" based on the property's historical value before acquisition. These payments ensure local governments receive revenue equivalent to what would have been collected as property taxes during the exemption period.

Maddy summaryHB 321 amends New Mexico's Local Economic Development Act to explicitly include medical service providers as eligible entities for economic development incentives. This change allows clinics, hospitals, and other licensed health facilities (covered under medical practice laws like the Medical Practice Act) to qualify for programs such as tax credits, infrastructure grants, and public support. Previously, medical services weren't explicitly listed among qualifying entities like manufacturers or cultural facilities. The bill expands access to economic development resources for healthcare businesses across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 320, the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, creates a program to incentivize New Mexico industrial facilities producing specific products (like concrete, steel, cement, and hydrogen) to reduce carbon emissions by at least 40% below industry benchmarks. Facilities that meet this threshold earn a $85 per metric ton incentive for new, incremental carbon reductions, calculated based on verified emissions data and product production volume. To qualify, facilities must apply for certification, providing detailed projections of carbon intensity, production volume, and reduction timelines, with applications prioritized for projects with high feasibility, environmental benefits, and local economic growth potential. Certifications, valid for up to 10 years, will be issued through 2036 for eligible facilities meeting the program's requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 329 creates the Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council to evaluate strategies for keeping electricity and natural gas rates affordable while modernizing the grid. The council, composed of 5 appointed members (including utility, consumer advocacy, and economic development experts) plus utility representatives, will assess regulatory approaches, examine impacts on residential, rural, tribal, and small business customers, and identify best practices. It will develop recommendations for legislative or regulatory action to balance cost containment, reliability, emissions reduction, and grid resilience. The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for the council’s operations in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 133, the General Appropriation Act of 2026, allocates state funds for fiscal year 2027 to all New Mexico state agencies, departments, and programs. It establishes rules for managing these funds, including requiring unspent balances from fiscal year 2026 or 2027 to revert to the general fund unless otherwise specified. The bill also defines key budget terms like "general fund" and "internal service funds" to standardize financial reporting across state agencies. As a procedural budget bill, it focuses on funding mechanisms rather than policy changes affecting citizens.

Maddy summaryHB 145 extends the deadline for businesses to apply for New Mexico's High-Wage Jobs Tax Credit. The bill amends the existing tax code to require annual applications to be filed by December 31 of the year following the qualifying period, instead of the previous deadline. This credit allows eligible employers to claim 8.5% of wages for new high-wage jobs (capped at $12,750 per job), directly affecting businesses creating qualifying positions in New Mexico. The change simplifies the filing timeline but maintains all other eligibility rules, such as wage thresholds, occupancy requirements, and restrictions on jobs created through business mergers.

Maddy summaryHB 152, the Environmental Product Declaration Act, requires manufacturers of specific building materials (including concrete, steel, asphalt, glass, and insulation) to create independently verified environmental declarations. These declarations must include a life-cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions (embodied carbon) and meet international standards, enabling comparisons of environmental impacts between products. The Department of Environment will administer the program, supported by a $5 million fund transferred from the general fund, and must publish annual reports starting October 2027. The act takes effect July 1, 2026, with rules to be finalized by January 2027.

Maddy summarySB 161 requires New Mexico electric utilities (including regulated companies and certain municipal cooperatives) to create and submit wildfire prevention plans to the Public Regulation Commission for approval. Utilities that follow approved plans can receive a "certificate of compliance," which shields them from liability in lawsuits if a fire originates from their equipment. The law also allows utilities to recover mitigation costs through special bill charges ("riders") and mandates annual compliance reports. This directly affects utilities operating in wildfire-prone areas and changes how liability is handled in fire-related lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 155 expands local and state authority to restrict fireworks during droughts or dangerous weather. Municipalities and counties can issue proclamations banning specific fireworks (like missile rockets) or limiting use to paved/barren areas after hearings, while the State Fire Marshal can issue statewide orders prohibiting sales/use when fire risks threaten lives or property. Violating these orders becomes a crime with increased penalties, and property owners allowing violations may face civil fines. The bill directly affects fireworks sellers, users, and property owners in New Mexico during declared emergency conditions.