Rep. Nathan Small

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 16) formally recognizes and honors the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University (NMSU) for its 80th anniversary of research and contributions. It acknowledges the lab's role since 1946 in supporting national security, aerospace innovation, missile systems, and workforce development through applied research. The memorial expresses appreciation for the lab's work in advancing technologies, educating students, and strengthening New Mexico's economic and security ecosystem, with copies to NMSU leadership and the governor. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally celebrates the lab's legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 8 creates a $300 million Higher Education Major Projects Fund in New Mexico's state treasury, funded by a transfer from the general fund. The bill allows state universities and community colleges to use these funds for major construction projects, including research facilities costing $50 million or more, student housing, and student life facilities like recreation centers. It requires institutions to cover 25-50% of project costs through non-state sources (like donations or bonds), with waivers possible if institutions cannot afford matches. Initial priorities include $150 million for a new UNM medical school, $50 million for a NMSU building, and $100 million for student housing statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 184 reorganizes New Mexico's conservation funding by transferring the entire balance of the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund into the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and establishing new investment and distribution rules. It requires the Conservation Legacy Fund to be invested under the prudent investor rule, sets annual distributions from the Conservation Legacy Fund to the Land of Enchantment Fund at 5% of its three-year average value, and specifies how funds from the Land of Enchantment Fund must be allocated. Specifically, 22.5% goes to the Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department for forest/watershed projects, 22.5% to the University Board for agricultural programs, 10% to the Environment Department for water quality, 15% to Economic Development for outdoor recreation, 8% to Cultural Affairs, and 22% to Wildlife for conservation programs. Unspent funds from these allocations revert to the Conservation Legacy Fund. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 104 establishes a formal process for removing appointed members of New Mexico's State Wildlife Commission. It allows removal only for incompetence, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office, requiring the governor to provide written notice, a hearing opportunity, and the right to appeal to the Supreme Court. This bill directly affects current and future commission members, who must now meet due process standards before removal. The Supreme Court would have exclusive authority to review removal decisions, making its ruling final. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates funds for New Mexico's 2025 special legislative session and fiscal year 2026 operations. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, with unspent balances reverting to state funds. Major allocations include $1 million for court behavioral health pilots, $5.56 million for educational TV/radio, and $17.3 million for Medicaid premium assistance (pending House Bill 2). All funds must be spent by 2027 or return to state reserves.

Maddy summaryHB 1 is a funding bill that allocates money from New Mexico's general fund for the 2025 special legislative session and specific state programs. It provides $105,000 for House expenses, $70,000 for Senate expenses, and $65,000 for legislative services, plus $1 million for court behavioral health programs, $5.56 million for public broadcasting, and $30 million for food assistance programs like SNAP benefits and food banks. The bill also funds $450,000 for New Mexico State University and $7.88 million to cover operational shortfalls for the Regulation and Licensing Department. Unspent funds for most programs must revert to the general fund by the end of fiscal year 2027, ensuring accountability.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR 12) would require members of New Mexico's state college and university boards of regents to uphold specific fiduciary duties, including loyalty, careful management, good faith, and compliance with state laws. It also changes removal procedures: district courts - not the Supreme Court - would handle removals filed by the Attorney General or a majority of the board, for causes like breaches of duty or misconduct. The bill directly affects all regents serving on boards for New Mexico's public higher education institutions, including the University of New Mexico. It does not alter board composition rules (like student member requirements) but adds legal clarity to their responsibilities and removal processes.

Maddy summaryHB 538 creates two tax credits for New Mexico industrial facilities to reduce emissions: a production credit paying $85 per metric ton of emissions cut (40% below industry benchmarks) and an investment credit covering 10% of qualifying decarbonization spending (up to $5 million per facility). It directly affects facilities producing concrete, steel, hydrogen, or critical minerals in New Mexico that meet emissions targets. Credits require department certification based on life-cycle assessments and industrial benchmarks, with annual funding caps of $30 million in 2026 rising to $100 million yearly after 2027. Facilities cannot claim both this credit and federal Section 45Q credits in the same year.

Maddy summaryHB 145 increases New Mexico's bonding authority for highway projects, authorizing up to $1.124 billion in additional bonds. It sets specific limits: $624 million for major infrastructure projects (including those with federal financing history), $100 million for roads tied to the waste isolation pilot project, and $400 million for other highway work. Proceeds would come from state road fund taxes and federal highway reimbursement money, with annual caps on new bond issuance. This directly affects the State Transportation Commission's ability to finance road projects and impacts taxpayers through future bond obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 548, the "Oil and Gas Equalization Tax Act," proposes a new 0.85% tax on oil and gas production in New Mexico. It directly affects oil and gas producers (operators), royalty owners (interest owners), and purchasers of these products. The tax is calculated on the "taxable value" of products after deducting royalties paid to the state or tribes and reasonable trucking costs. Operators and purchasers must withhold the tax from payments to royalty owners and report monthly production volumes and values to the state tax department. The bill is currently pending, having been postponed indefinitely in June 2025.