Rep. John Block

Maddy summaryHB 55 would allow first responder retirees (including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) and their unmarried surviving spouses to deduct 50% of their retirement pay earned from first responder service from their state income tax. To claim this deduction, taxpayers must submit proof of eligibility to the New Mexico tax department and report the deduction as required. The policy applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and the deduction would be counted in the state’s tax expenditure budget. This change directly affects eligible retirees by reducing their taxable income related to first responder service.

Maddy summarySB 78 would change New Mexico law to include nuclear energy as a renewable energy source for public utilities and rural electric cooperatives. The bill amends definitions to specifically list nuclear facilities (using fission or fusion without carbon emissions during generation) as a qualifying "renewable energy resource." This means nuclear power would count toward the state's renewable energy requirements under current law. The change directly affects how utilities calculate compliance with New Mexico's renewable portfolio standards.

Maddy summaryHB 240 creates the Education Opportunity Account Act, allowing eligible New Mexico students (residents without a high school diploma or equivalent) to access state-funded accounts for education expenses. The program deposits state funds - calculated based on average public school spending per grade, adjusted for special needs - into accounts managed by the state education department. Parents can use these funds for approved costs at qualifying private schools (not online schools), tutoring, textbooks, assessments, and transportation, but funds cannot be refunded to families and unspent balances revert to the state treasury after two years or upon graduation. The bill specifies strict usage rules, prohibits personal deposits into accounts, and requires annual contracts detailing approved expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 226 amends New Mexico's Rural Electric Cooperative Act and Renewable Energy Act to redefine "renewable energy resource" by adding "natural gas using combined cycle technology" to the list of qualifying sources. This change directly affects rural electric cooperatives and public utilities, allowing them to count electricity generated from this specific natural gas technology toward renewable energy requirements. The bill does not make natural gas renewable in general, but explicitly excludes other fossil fuels while including this combined cycle method under the definition. This is a technical definitional update, not a new policy requirement, and aligns with existing provisions that exclude most fossil fuels.

Maddy summaryHB 232 creates a one-time $1,000 tax credit for New Mexico taxpayers who purchase certified secure gun storage (such as safes, lock boxes, or gun cases) starting in 2026. To qualify, buyers must obtain certification from the Public Safety Department confirming the storage meets safety standards, and the total annual credits are capped at $500,000. Taxpayers can claim the credit within one year of purchase to reduce their state income tax bill, with unused portions refunded. The credit applies only to individual taxpayers purchasing new storage devices for personal firearm storage, not to businesses or dependents.

Maddy summaryHB 228 creates a new third-degree felony offense for carrying a firearm while trafficking controlled substances, defined as violating existing drug trafficking laws (Section 30-31-20 NMSA 1978). It directly affects individuals convicted of drug trafficking who also possess a firearm during the crime. The bill specifies that "firearm" includes any weapon designed to expel a projectile or its frame/receiver. Violators face sentencing under existing felony penalties (Section 31-18-15 NMSA 1978) and the law takes effect July 1, 2026. This amendment does not change drug trafficking laws but adds a separate penalty for firearm possession during such offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a permanent 12-member legislative committee to oversee state agency rules in New Mexico. The committee, appointed by party leaders in both houses, would review proposed rules before public hearings, recommend changes to agencies, and suggest to the legislature that rules be overturned if they conflict with existing laws. It requires monthly meetings during legislative breaks and would need voter approval to become part of the state constitution. The measure directly affects state agencies that create rules and gives the legislature a new formal mechanism to challenge those rules during sessions.

Maddy summaryHB 231 requires state agencies to provide the legislative council service with an email address for the person responsible for managing rulemaking records. The legislative council service will then maintain a centralized list of these contacts and distribute it to all legislators. This ensures lawmakers have direct access to agency rulemaking contacts without needing to contact each agency individually. The bill affects all state agencies that create rules and all legislators in New Mexico's state government.

Maddy summaryHB 229 requires all New Mexico government agencies (including state departments, school districts, and municipalities) to publicly disclose contract details through the Sunshine Portal. It mandates that agencies post solicitations within one week of issuance, update information monthly, and include recipient names, contract purposes, and amounts exceeding $20,000. The bill also requires agencies to provide contact details for records custodians and link their data to the central Sunshine Portal. Violations could render contracts invalid, with enforcement handled by the attorney general or district courts. This law directly affects public access to government spending by making contract information searchable and transparent.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 9) is a joint resolution passed by the New Mexico legislature requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution. It seeks to propose three specific amendments: imposing fiscal restraints on federal spending, limiting the federal government's power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution directs the state secretary of state to send copies to federal officials and states that New Mexico's application remains active until two-thirds of states apply for the same purpose. It does not create new laws but formally requests a convention to address federal fiscal policy and governance.