Rep. Reena Szczepanski

Maddy summaryHB 318 would create a new legal claim in New Mexico for individuals whose rights protected by the U.S. Constitution (such as free speech or due process) are intentionally obstructed, prevented, or infringed by another person using unlawful means like force, fraud, or coercion. It allows affected residents to sue the responsible individual in district court within three years of the violation, following the same rules as existing intentional tort cases. The bill directly affects New Mexico residents who experience such constitutional rights violations and the individuals who cause them, regardless of whether the violator was acting as a government official. This provides a new remedy for damages but does not alter the underlying constitutional rights themselves.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include the actual text, provisions, or specific details of HB 340. Without the bill's content or a substantive summary describing its mechanisms or affected parties, a factual summary cannot be generated. The title ("PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE") is too broad to indicate specific policy changes, and the "Recent Actions" only note it was introduced and referred to a committee. To create the requested summary, the full bill text or an official summary would be required.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the actual text, provisions, or summary of HB 19. Without specific details about the bill's content, mechanisms, or intended effects, a substantive summary cannot be generated. The only available information is the bill's title, sponsor, and a single committee referral action (February 4, 2026), which does not describe any policy changes. Therefore, a factual summary of the bill's purpose or impact is not possible with the given information.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive bill text or policy details for HB 341 are available. The document only includes the bill's title, introduction line, and a single committee referral action (February 4, 2026, to the House Rules and Order of Business Committee). Without specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties described in the text, a factual summary of the bill's content cannot be created. The absence of bill language prevents describing its intended effects or who it would impact.

Maddy summaryHB 313 creates the "Civil Relief from Coerced Debt Act" to help victims of abuse or exploitation (like domestic violence, human trafficking, or identity theft) escape debts they were forced to incur. It requires debtors to submit a verified statement with supporting evidence (such as police reports or medical documentation) to creditors, proving the debt was coerced. Creditors must then immediately stop collection efforts, return any payments made, remove negative credit reports, and refrain from selling the debt - all within 10 business days of receiving the statement. This law directly affects victims of coercion and all creditors, including debt collectors and debt buyers, who must follow these new procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 287 redesignates the Health and Human Services Committee as a permanent body with 12 members (up from 8), requiring balanced party representation from both legislative chambers. It mandates year-round staff with expertise in health, human services, and policy, and grants the committee subpoena power to compel testimony or documents from state agencies, contractors, and entities receiving state funding. The bill also modifies reporting rules, requiring agencies to provide requested information to legislators and file reports with the legislative council service. This changes how the committee operates, affecting state agencies, contractors, and the legislature's oversight capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans New Mexico employers from requiring employees (including prospective, current, or former workers and independent contractors) to sign secrecy agreements or non-disparagement clauses related to workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation claims. It prohibits employers from preventing employees from disclosing such claims, whether occurring on-site, at work events, or between employees/employers. The law allows limited confidentiality only for settlement amounts or at an employee’s request, and voids any secrecy provision that blocks disclosure of facts about the underlying claim. Employees can discuss their experiences without fear of legal action for breaching such agreements.

Maddy summarySB 129 would expand New Mexico's employment protections for medical cannabis patients by prohibiting employers from taking adverse actions (like firing, demoting, or refusing to hire) based on conduct permitted under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. It directly affects medical cannabis patients and employers, with key exceptions: the law does not apply to on-premises use during work hours, safety-sensitive jobs, or situations where federal law would be violated. The bill aims to clarify that employers cannot penalize patients for using medical cannabis outside work hours, as long as they remain qualified patients and comply with state law. This amendment updates existing protections in Section 26-2B-9 of the state code, though the bill was replaced by a committee substitute on February 5, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 195 protects independent medical providers (like doctors, nurse practitioners, and specialists not employed by hospitals) from having personal income or assets used to satisfy medical malpractice judgments, unless the provider lacked proper insurance or licensing. The bill requires courts to block collection against personal assets if the provider maintained valid insurance covering the claim or met licensing standards under existing law. It also allows courts to reduce or dismiss awards if plaintiffs made irrelevant, coercive, or baseless allegations targeting the provider’s personal finances. The law applies to all medical malpractice claims filed after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 241 requires New Mexico courts to notify the Medical Board when physicians are named as defendants in malpractice lawsuits, including dismissals or amendments removing a physician. It extends the period the Medical Board can temporarily suspend a physician's license without a hearing and mandates the Board to post all active malpractice claims, related payments, and disciplinary actions on its website. Hospitals and healthcare entities must report malpractice settlements exceeding $1 million to the Board. This bill directly affects physicians facing lawsuits, the Medical Board, courts, and healthcare providers required to submit reporting data.