Rep. Catherine Cullen

Maddy summaryHB 263 requires New Mexico public schools serving grades 6-8 to automatically enroll students who meet specific academic criteria - such as scoring highest on state math assessments, end-of-course exams, or earning an A in their current math class - into available advanced math courses. Schools must also allow enrollment upon student or parent request and honor parental objections to automatic placement. School districts and charter schools must annually report detailed data on enrollment, student demographics (race, sex, income), and course availability to the Mathematics and Science Bureau. The bureau will compile and publish these reports online, excluding personally identifiable information. This law aims to standardize access to advanced math courses while tracking equity through mandatory reporting.

Maddy summarySB 29 increases mathematics requirements for teachers seeking New Mexico teaching licenses or math endorsements. It mandates nine semester hours of college-level math (up from six) for all teaching licenses and requires six hours of specialized math teaching courses for those seeking a math endorsement, effective July 2027. The bill also establishes a Mathematics and Science Bureau to implement new frameworks, including mandatory math screening assessments for students and district-level math professional learning plans. These changes directly affect educators pursuing initial licensure or math endorsements, aiming to strengthen math instruction through standardized teacher preparation and school-level support systems.

Maddy summarySB 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, requires New Mexico public schools to use research-backed reading methods for students in kindergarten through third grade. It mandates annual literacy assessments for these students and provides interventions for those struggling with reading, while requiring schools to use approved instructional materials that align with evidence-based practices. The bill also sets new standards for teacher preparation programs, including 100+ hours of supervised field experience in structured literacy methods and training to identify reading difficulties. These changes directly affect K-3 students, public schools, literacy coaches, and teacher training programs across New Mexico.

Maddy summaryHB 238 allows New Mexico middle and high school teachers to use up to 60 instructional hours per school year for professional development and collaboration during the regular school day. It specifically authorizes time for activities like educator training, parent-teacher conferences, and mentorship between staff, all aligned with academic standards. The bill amends existing school year requirements to explicitly permit this dedicated professional time without reducing core instructional hours. It directly affects teachers and school staff in public middle and high schools, not students. The bill was postponed indefinitely in the Senate on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 513 requires New Mexico state agencies to add an organ donation designation space on several common application forms, including driver's license renewals, public assistance applications, concealed carry permits, and school personnel licenses. Applicants can indicate donor status on these forms, and if new donors, must sign with a witness present; completed forms will be sent to a centralized statewide donor registry maintained by the Motor Vehicle Division. This policy change streamlines organ donation registration by integrating it into routine state interactions rather than requiring separate registration. The bill affects all New Mexico residents applying for these specific state services, with the registry allowing hospitals to verify donor status after death.

Maddy summaryHB 332 criminalizes unlawful squatting in New Mexico as a fourth-degree felony, making it illegal for someone to reside on another's property without permission. Property owners can seek doubled damages for injury to property caused by squatters and receive a citation process that gives alleged squatters three business days to contest it with proof like leases or deeds. The bill requires law enforcement to provide a 3-day notice before removal, allowing squatters to submit counter affidavits claiming legal possession, which may lead to a court trial to determine rightful ownership. If a court rules for the property owner, it can award rent value for the occupancy period and other monetary relief.

Maddy summarySB 18 creates a new criminal offense for "swatting" in New Mexico, defined as knowingly making a false emergency report to law enforcement or emergency services with the intent to trigger a rapid response. The bill classifies swatting as a fourth-degree felony (same penalty as bomb scares) and increases the penalty for making a shooting threat to a fourth-degree felony. It also requires convicted individuals to reimburse victims for economic harm, including lost wages, business shutdown costs, and other direct financial losses caused by the false report. This law directly affects people who make false emergency reports and victims of such incidents.

Maddy summaryThis New Mexico bill requires state license applications for hunting, fishing, and concealed handgun permits to include a checkbox allowing applicants to indicate their status as organ donors. The legislation establishes a statewide registry managed by the Motor Vehicle Division where these donor preferences are recorded and maintained. Authorized medical personnel can access the registry to verify a person's donor status before or after their death, ensuring their wishes are honored. The bill also mandates that specific donor language be printed on all application forms starting January 1, 2026, and requires witnesses to sign the forms for new donors.

Maddy summarySB 64 creates a three-year pilot program in New Mexico public schools (including charter schools) to test whether financial incentives for school districts increase student enrollment in and completion of career development programs. The bill provides school districts with $250-$750 per high school student (grades 9-12) who successfully completes a qualifying program - such as career technical education, approved internships, or apprenticeships - that leads to an industry-recognized credential. Districts must use funds at their discretion, but incentives are capped at 10% of statewide funding per district, and the state appropriates $1.5 million for the project (2026-2028). The program requires annual reporting on participation, student demographics, program types, and outcomes, with a final evaluation due in 2028.

Maddy summarySB 116 creates a three-year pilot program for math labs in New Mexico public schools serving kindergarten through sixth grade. Participating schools must establish dedicated math labs with at least one qualified teacher, focus on small-group hands-on learning aligned with standards, and provide teacher training. The state appropriates $3 million (2026-2028) to fund grants of at least $100,000 per participating school annually, requiring schools to track student math proficiency data and report outcomes. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it is not currently active.