Rep. John Block

Maddy summaryHB 225 prohibits New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) from creating or enforcing rules that would require vehicle manufacturers to produce or sell a specific percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year. The bill directly affects the EIB, preventing it from implementing such regulatory requirements, and indirectly impacts vehicle manufacturers who might otherwise have been subject to these rules. It blocks a mechanism for controlling emissions through mandated vehicle sales percentages, rather than creating new sales obligations. The legislation does not alter current vehicle sales standards or consumer choices but restricts a potential future regulatory path. This is a procedural bill focused on limiting regulatory authority, not on direct policy changes for consumers or manufacturers.

Maddy summaryHB 227 repeals New Mexico's Clean Transportation Fuel Standard Program and prohibits future adoption of rules requiring fuel providers to meet carbon intensity standards. It specifically removes references to "carbon intensity" from environmental law definitions and eliminates the department's duty to implement fuel standard rules. The bill directly affects fuel producers, refiners, and regulators who would have been subject to the 2024 program's requirements. This legislation eliminates existing regulatory obligations without creating new requirements or financial impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 221 removes the $30,000 annual cap on tax exemptions for military retirement pay in New Mexico, making all such income tax-exempt for eligible individuals. It directly affects New Mexico military retirees and their surviving spouses who qualify for lifetime retirement benefits under federal law. The bill amends state tax code to eliminate the previous limitation, meaning retirees no longer face a taxable threshold on their military pay. This change applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and does not create new benefits but modifies existing tax treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 230 creates a permanent 12-member legislative committee (appointed by party leaders in both houses) to review state agency rules during legislative breaks. It requires agencies to provide cost analyses for rules exceeding $1 million in implementation costs and mandates the committee to assess rules' necessity, fiscal impact, and legal compliance before final adoption. The committee will issue written recommendations to agencies during the public comment period for proposed rules. This establishes a formal process for legislative oversight of regulations, affecting state agencies, businesses, and citizens impacted by rule changes.

Maddy summaryHB 222 requires all New Mexico voters to present acceptable identification at polling places or when requesting mail-in ballots. For in-person voting, voters may use a photo ID (like a driver's license) or documents showing name and address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement). For mail-in ballots, voters must submit a photocopy of their driver's license plus their Social Security number. The bill also mandates the Motor Vehicle Division to issue free voter ID cards and provides free photocopying of ID documents at government offices during business hours. This affects all voters participating in New Mexico elections, both in-person and by mail.

Maddy summaryHB 29 appropriates $8 million from New Mexico's general fund to the Military Base Impact Fund for fiscal year 2027 and future years. This funding directly supports military bases in New Mexico by providing dedicated financial resources to address impacts from military operations. The bill ensures any unspent funds at year-end remain in the fund rather than reverting to the general budget. It establishes a permanent funding stream to help communities near military installations manage related costs.

Maddy summaryHB 260 would create a new fourth-degree felony for knowingly making a false statement to the legislature during a testimony request in a committee hearing about a specific issue. It applies to anyone testifying before a legislative committee on a matter they were asked to address, excluding public comments during designated public comment periods. The bill defines the offense as making an untrue statement the person knows to be false in such proceedings, with a legislator who heard the testimony able to refer the case to the district attorney for prosecution. This law directly affects witnesses testifying before committees on requested topics, not the general public during open comment times.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 17 requests New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department to create a task force by July 2026. The task force will study industry practices - including talent management, casting services, and agent activities - and recommend a regulatory framework for New Mexico's film, TV, and performing arts sectors. It will include representatives from unions, film offices, casting organizations, and government departments. The goal is to address gaps in oversight and develop transparency measures for performers, managers, and producers, with a final report due November 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 63 authorizes the New Mexico Finance Authority to provide loans or grants from the Water Project Fund to 53 specific local entities across New Mexico, including cities, counties, tribes, and water districts. The bill directs funding for concrete water infrastructure projects such as water storage, treatment, recycling, flood prevention, and wastewater systems in communities like Gallup, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the Mescalero Apache Tribe. It establishes that these projects must align with terms set by the Water Trust Board and the Finance Authority, using existing state funds without creating new taxes. The legislation directly affects local governments and water providers by enabling specific, funded infrastructure improvements to address water management needs.

Maddy summaryHB 316 prohibits New Mexico state or local governments from adopting laws, ordinances, or regulations that restrict law enforcement personnel or resources from assisting federal immigration authorities or interfere with federal immigration enforcement. It directly affects cities, counties, and local police departments that might have implemented "sanctuary" policies. The bill's key provision bans any local rules that prevent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, such as limiting data sharing or resource allocation. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and did not advance further.