Rep. Josh Hernandez

Maddy summaryHB 244, the Hospital Price Transparency Act, requires all New Mexico hospitals to publicly display standard pricing for services on their websites in machine-readable format and either a list of 300+ shoppable services or a price estimator tool. This directly affects hospitals (both public and private) and patients who may face debt collection for services provided during non-compliance periods. Hospitals violating the law cannot pursue collection actions for affected services, and patients can use the hospital’s non-compliance as an affirmative defense in debt collection cases. The Health Care Authority will enforce compliance through website audits, complaint processes, and requiring corrective action plans for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 14 creates the "Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact" to allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists from New Mexico to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It establishes a "compact privilege" that eliminates duplicate licensing requirements, directly affecting dental professionals seeking to work across state lines, including military personnel and their families. Key provisions include standardized background checks, shared disciplinary information between states, and requirements for practitioners to follow each state's scope of practice rules. The bill aims to improve access to dental services in underserved areas and streamline workforce mobility while maintaining state regulatory authority.

Maddy summaryHB 10 establishes the Physician Assistant Licensure Interstate Compact, allowing physician assistants (PAs) licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses. It requires states to mutually recognize PAs' licenses and mandates that PAs practice under the jurisdiction of the state where the patient is located at the time of care. The compact specifically benefits military families by enabling active-duty personnel and their spouses to use their home state license in other participating states, while states retain authority to take disciplinary action against PAs for safety concerns. This eliminates licensing barriers for PAs working across state lines while maintaining patient safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 12 establishes New Mexico's participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing physical therapists licensed in one participating state to practice in New Mexico without obtaining a separate license. The bill requires states to share disciplinary information, conduct federal background checks, and recognize licenses across member states, with practice always governed by the state where the patient is located. It directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines, military spouses relocating with service members, and state licensing boards managing cross-jurisdictional practice. Key provisions include mutual license recognition, standardized criminal background checks, and mechanisms for states to share investigative data to protect public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 27 expands New Mexico's Technology Jobs and Research & Development Tax Credit by broadening the definition of "qualified expenditure" to include property owned by municipalities or counties for industrial revenue bond projects. This change directly affects technology companies and research facilities in New Mexico that qualify for the credit, allowing them to claim tax credits for costs related to local government-owned facilities used in qualifying R&D activities. The bill modifies existing tax code definitions to include these previously excluded property costs, without altering the credit's base eligibility criteria or calculation method. The amendment applies to businesses meeting standard requirements under the Technology Jobs and R&D Tax Credit Act, such as conducting qualified research in New Mexico facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 96 creates a temporary working group to study the feasibility of establishing a state space commission in New Mexico. The group, appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislative leaders with aerospace expertise, must develop recommendations on the commission's structure, scope, and board design by October 1, 2026. It will identify key aerospace stakeholders, outline a strategic plan including workforce pathways, and propose a budget framework. The working group will report findings to the economic development committee, with $200,000 allocated for its administrative support. This bill does not create a commission but sets the process for evaluating one.

Maddy summaryHB 61 increases penalties for assaulting police officers in New Mexico. It directly affects individuals who commit battery against officers while they are lawfully performing duties. The bill reclassifies two types of offenses: causing temporary disfigurement or loss of body function becomes a fourth-degree felony, while inflicting great bodily harm or using deadly weapons raises the charge to a second-degree felony. These changes modify existing criminal penalties under Section 30-22-25 of New Mexico law, making the most severe assaults carry significantly higher penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 154 updates the definition of "advanced energy product" for New Mexico's existing tax credit programs. It specifies that qualifying products include solar components (like panels and cells), wind turbine parts, battery materials, fusion machine components, and critical minerals (such as lithium and cobalt). This definition determines eligibility for the Advanced Energy Equipment Income Tax Credit and Corporate Income Tax Credit, which provide tax relief for manufacturers investing in qualifying facilities within New Mexico. The bill directly affects businesses producing these specific energy technologies who seek to claim the tax credits.

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 507 would create a special New Mexico license plate featuring the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball team, available for a $35 initial fee plus $25 annual renewal. The $12 portion of the initial fee covers plate production costs, while the remaining fee revenue funds UNM's Carrie Tingley Crippled Children's Hospital. The state could stop issuing the plate after 2031 if annual sales drop below 50% of the average from 2026-2031. This affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase the plate, with no direct impact on other drivers or legislation.