Rep. Tara Luján

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 337 amends New Mexico's grid modernization grant program to require that the energy department explicitly consider how proposed projects help meet the state's Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) when evaluating applications. The bill directly affects entities applying for grants, including municipalities, schools, universities, tribal nations, and rural communities. It adds RPS compliance as a specific evaluation factor alongside other criteria like grid efficiency, technology innovation, and economic development. This change ensures grant-funded projects actively support New Mexico's renewable energy goals without altering the existing RPS requirements. The amendment integrates RPS considerations into the grant program's assessment process for grid modernization initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 278 requires New Mexico's Medicaid program to reimburse independent reference laboratories for toxicology services (such as drug and alcohol testing) at the same rate as standard drug testing services under Medicaid's fee-for-service schedule. It mandates that these services be medically necessary and follow evidence-based protocols, including weekly testing for those starting substance use treatment and monthly testing for stable recovery, unless clinical documentation indicates otherwise. The bill defines "independent reference laboratories" as those not affiliated with hospitals, insurers, or physician groups, and appropriates $100,000 for administration in fiscal year 2027. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis memorial acknowledges New Mexico residents affected by radiation from the Trinity nuclear test and uranium mining, urging state agencies to help eligible individuals apply for federal compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act before its December 31, 2027 deadline. It directs the departments of Health, Aging and Long-Term Services, Veterans' Services, and Indian Affairs to collaborate with community organizations and tribal governments to provide outreach, education, and application assistance. The focus is on supporting downwinders, uranium workers, and their families - particularly elders, rural residents, and tribal members - who may need help navigating the federal process. It does not create new benefits but aims to increase awareness and access to existing federal compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 310 appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund to New Mexico's Cultural Affairs Department for a fiscal year 2027 feasibility study, planning, and implementation of a lowrider museum in Espanola. The bill directly affects the Cultural Affairs Department, which will use the funds to assess the museum's viability and develop plans. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies but allocates specific funding for preliminary research. Any unspent funds at the end of fiscal year 2027 would revert to the general fund. This is a procedural bill focused solely on funding a study, not on museum operations or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Accessibility Act requires all New Mexico state agencies to make their websites, mobile applications, and physical facilities compliant with accessibility standards by April 1, 2027. It mandates adherence to digital standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA) and physical standards (based on the federal Americans with Disabilities Act) to ensure services are accessible to people with disabilities. The bill creates an Office of Accessibility within the governor’s commission on disability to oversee compliance, provide technical assistance, and develop reporting mechanisms. State agencies must post accessibility statements on their websites and submit biennial reports detailing progress, barriers, and corrective actions to the governor and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 123 requires New Mexico's Public Education Department to create a single digital system for school districts and charter schools to manage and apply for state and federal education grants. The system would consolidate applications for programs like federal education aid (ESEA), special education funding (IDEA), and literacy grants into one unified platform with automated features and unique tracking codes. School districts must submit detailed spending plans for grant funds through this system, which the department will review and approve. The bill appropriates $1 million to develop and maintain the system by December 2026, affecting all public schools receiving these grants.

Maddy summaryHB 159 establishes a two-year pilot program using $1 million in state funds to provide free, evidence-based mental health support for K-12 students and families in New Mexico. The program will offer mental health education, self-management tools, and care navigation services through a dedicated platform. It requires the Public Education Department to contract implementation services and submit an impact report to the legislative education committee by 2028. The bill directly affects all public school students and families in New Mexico, with funding limited to fiscal years 2027-2028.

Maddy summaryThe Voice and Visual Likeness Rights Act establishes a new property right for New Mexico residents (including deceased individuals domiciled in the state) to control how their voice and visual likeness are used in digital replicas, such as AI-generated videos or audio. It requires written licenses for commercial use with specific limits: up to 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors (ending at age 18), and mandatory court approval for minor-related licenses. After death, the right must be registered with the state to be enforced and expires 70 years posthumously, with a 10-year window for transfer after death. The bill defines key terms like "digital replica" to clarify prohibited uses, such as unauthorized AI representations that materially alter original performances.

Maddy summaryHB 40 provides a temporary 2% additional payment to retired members receiving annuities under New Mexico's Educational Retirement Act for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This payment, calculated as 2% of each retiree's current annual benefit amount (including prior cost-of-living adjustments), is non-compounding and separate from standard annual adjustments. It applies to all retired educators under the Act, excluding those on disability status or under specific retirement provisions. The bill does not alter existing cost-of-living adjustment rules but adds this short-term benefit for two years.