Rep. Catherine Cullen

Maddy summarySB 130 creates a new funding calculation for career technical education (CTE) programs in New Mexico public schools. It specifies that CTE program units equal 0.25 multiplied by the number of students enrolled in state-approved CTE programs. This new unit is added to the existing formula used to determine school funding under the Public School Finance Act. The bill directly affects public schools offering CTE programs and the state's school finance system.

Maddy summaryHJR 4 proposes amending New Mexico's constitution to replace the Public Education Commission with an elected State Board of Education. The new board would consist of ten locally elected members who would set education policy, manage school funding, and appoint a superintendent to lead public schools. It also requires the legislature to create an independent state authority for charter schools. This constitutional change requires voter approval at the next general election and would take effect in 2029, transitioning governance from the current commission.

Maddy summaryThis New Mexico House Memorial requests the Public Education Department to study whether teachers could earn master's degree credit for completing specialized training programs (microcredentials) required to advance their teaching licenses. Currently, teachers must earn five microcredentials with 85% scores to move from Level 1 to Level 2 license (or Level 2 to Level 3), but colleges do not grant degree credit for this work. The study will examine potential pathways and barriers, including accreditation requirements, to determine if credit could be offered. The department must report findings to lawmakers by December 2025.

Maddy summarySB 480 would require New Mexico's Public Education Department to create an annual report by July 15 each year listing all students who have not graduated from high school within four years of entering ninth grade. This report would be shared with adult education providers, workforce development programs, and school districts that help students earn high school diplomas or equivalency credentials (like a GED). The bill defines "out-of-cohort students" as those not graduating within four years of ninth grade. The goal is to provide targeted data to help these programs better support students who fall behind.

Maddy summarySB 70 expands New Mexico's Racketeering Act by adding 37 specific crimes to the definition of "racketeering," including trafficking cannabis products (Section 26-2C-28), sexual exploitation of children, dog fighting, and criminal sexual contact. This change allows prosecutors to pursue racketeering charges against individuals or groups engaging in these offenses as part of a pattern of criminal activity. The bill directly affects law enforcement, prosecutors, and criminal enterprises by broadening the scope of offenses that qualify for racketeering prosecutions under existing penalties. It does not create new penalties but clarifies which crimes can trigger the Racketeering Act's provisions, such as forfeiture of assets gained through illegal activity.

Maddy summaryHB 251 allows retired educators in New Mexico to change their designated beneficiary for retirement payments under specific conditions. It enables retired members who initially chose a spouse as a beneficiary (Option B or C) to update this designation once, either to another person or to end the beneficiary arrangement (resulting in full payment without reduction). To make this change, retirees must pay a $100 fee, obtain spouse consent if switching from a spouse beneficiary, or secure court approval. This update applies only to those with a living beneficiary designated under Options B or C, streamlining beneficiary changes without retroactive adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 192 allocates $2.8 million from the general fund to cover subscriber fees for New Mexico's digital trunked radio communications system, directly benefiting municipal, county, and tribal public safety agencies providing law enforcement, fire, medical, or emergency services. The bill requires the Department of Information Technology to submit an annual report by December 1 starting in 2026, detailing projected fees and users for the following fiscal year. This ensures transparency in funding allocation for the public safety radio system, which agencies rely on for critical communications. The appropriation is non-reverting, meaning unspent funds carry over to future years.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution, not a law. It declares February 20, 2025 as "Excellence in Rio Rancho Day" in the New Mexico House of Representatives. The resolution recognizes Rio Rancho's growth, economic progress (including median income increases), safety rankings, school district achievements, and business community. It has no policy impact or binding effect; it simply honors the city through a symbolic declaration.