Rep. John Block

Maddy summaryHB 273, the Women's Safety & Protection Act, requires domestic violence shelters, public schools, and juvenile detention facilities in New Mexico to designate separate sleeping quarters and restrooms for males and females. It mandates that these facilities provide reasonable accommodations (like single-occupancy spaces) for individuals who cannot use facilities matching their sex, but prohibits access to opposite-sex areas when others of that sex are present. The bill explicitly allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, maintenance, and ADA accommodations, while ensuring facilities remain compliant with federal disability law. It directly affects residents of these facilities, staff, and students in New Mexico's public schools and shelter systems.

Maddy summaryHB 312 requires certain sex offenders in New Mexico to undergo chemical castration treatment as a condition of parole. It applies to individuals convicted of specific serious offenses, including aggravated criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact of a minor, or sexual exploitation of children. The bill mandates that offenders receive detailed information about the treatment and its side effects before starting, begin treatment at least one month prior to release, and cover all associated costs (though parole cannot be denied solely for inability to pay). The treatment continues until the parole board determines it is no longer necessary, with electronic monitoring required throughout parole. This policy directly affects parolees convicted of the listed offenses, focusing on mandatory medical treatment as part of supervision.

Maddy summaryHB 276 allocates $3.3 million from the general fund to New Mexico State University’s Board of Regents to support the state’s winemaking industry through specific initiatives. It funds projects recognizing the industry’s history and economic potential, including educational programs, statewide winery wayfinding signage, national marketing for the 400th anniversary of American winemaking, and an enologist (wine science expert) for student training. The funds are to be spent over fiscal years 2026-2028, with unspent balances reverting to the general fund by 2028. This bill directly benefits New Mexico’s wine producers, tourism departments, and university students pursuing careers in viticulture.

Maddy summaryHB 46 creates a new criminal offense called "digital sabotage of a business" under New Mexico's Computer Crimes Act. It prohibits unauthorized interference with a business's digital resources - including redirecting customers, damaging operations, or spreading false information to harm reputation - with penalties based on the financial damage caused. Penalties range from a petty misdemeanor for damage under $250 to a second-degree felony for damage over $20,000, including enhanced penalties for repeat offenses. The law directly affects businesses (defined broadly as corporations, partnerships, or individuals) and anyone committing such acts against them.

Maddy summaryHB 81, titled "Permissible Carry of Firearms," allows adults aged 18 or older who are not prohibited by law from possessing firearms to carry loaded firearms openly or concealed without a permit. The bill directly affects law-abiding adults by eliminating New Mexico’s existing permit requirement for carrying firearms, repealing sections 30-7-2.2 through 30-7-3 of the law. Key provisions include removing firearms from the legal definition of "deadly weapon" and amending statutes to reflect permitless carry, while maintaining exceptions for unloaded firearms and specific circumstances like residences or law enforcement. This bill makes no changes to existing restrictions on prohibited persons or firearm storage requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 144 creates the crime of "unlawful squatting" in New Mexico, defined as entering and residing on someone else's property without permission for any period. It classifies this as a fourth-degree felony and requires property owners to prove unauthorized occupancy through a legal process involving affidavits and court hearings, rather than immediate removal. The bill also allows property owners to seek double the appraised value of damages caused by the squatter and gives alleged squatters three business days to contest a citation with proof like a lease or deed. This directly affects property owners facing unauthorized occupants and individuals accused of squatting, establishing a court-based system to resolve disputes over property rights.

Maddy summaryHB 113, the Renewable Energy Production Tax Act, imposes a 3.75% excise tax on electricity generated from renewable sources (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, or qualifying biomass) at commercial facilities in New Mexico. It applies to electricity sold in the wholesale market, with tax calculated based on the monthly average wholesale price, and requires payment by the 25th of the following month. Revenue from this tax will be directed to the Severance Tax Permanent Fund, and the law exempts government entities, tribal lands, and small-scale personal use (under 500 kWh daily). The tax begins on January 1, 2027, affecting commercial renewable energy producers but not residential or exempt entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission within the Economic Development Department to strengthen economic ties between New Mexico and Ireland. The commission, composed of appointed members including legislative leaders, Irish-American community representatives, and sector experts (agriculture, energy, higher education), will focus on advancing trade in technology, agriculture, and energy. It must hold annual meetings, promote business and academic exchanges, and submit yearly reports to state leaders by December 1. The commission aims to foster mutual investment and policy collaboration without imposing new regulations or taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 112 would make daylight saving time the permanent standard time for all of New Mexico, eliminating the annual clock change required by federal law. The bill directly affects all New Mexicans and state agencies, requiring state information technology systems to be updated to year-round daylight saving time using $100,000 in state funds. It exempts New Mexico from federal time laws but maintains federal time standards for interstate commerce and U.S. government operations. The bill’s implementation depends on a future federal law allowing states to adopt year-round daylight saving time or on Texas adopting a similar change for El Paso County.

Maddy summaryHB 56 appropriates $1 million from the general fund to New Mexico's Veterans' Services Department for fiscal year 2027. The funding directly assists veterans and their families in identifying and accessing existing behavioral health care services. Key provisions include a one-time allocation with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund by the end of 2027. This bill does not create new services but provides resources to help veterans navigate available care options. It is a funding measure, not a policy change affecting service delivery.