Rep. Randy Pettigrew

Maddy summaryNew Mexico's legislature has introduced HJR 12, a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution asks for a convention limited to proposing three specific amendments: imposing fiscal restraints on federal spending, limiting federal control over public and private lands (addressing New Mexico's concerns about federal land management), and restricting terms for federal officials and Congress members. If passed by two-thirds of states, these amendments would require ratification by three-fourths of states to take effect. This is a procedural request by New Mexico’s legislature to initiate a national process, not a direct policy change, and would affect all states if the convention occurs.

Maddy summaryHB 81, titled "Permissible Carry of Firearms," allows adults aged 18 or older who are not prohibited by law from possessing firearms to carry loaded firearms openly or concealed without a permit. The bill directly affects law-abiding adults by eliminating New Mexico’s existing permit requirement for carrying firearms, repealing sections 30-7-2.2 through 30-7-3 of the law. Key provisions include removing firearms from the legal definition of "deadly weapon" and amending statutes to reflect permitless carry, while maintaining exceptions for unloaded firearms and specific circumstances like residences or law enforcement. This bill makes no changes to existing restrictions on prohibited persons or firearm storage requirements.

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 summaryHJR 10 proposes a constitutional amendment in New Mexico to establish a process for three or more contiguous counties to secede and join another state or form a new state. It requires a petition signed by at least 15% of voters in each county, a special election where two-thirds of voters in each county approve secession, unanimous approval from all affected county commissions, payment of outstanding state debts, and eventual congressional approval. The amendment must be approved by New Mexico voters at the next general election. This resolution does not authorize secession itself but creates the legal framework for it, directly affecting eligible New Mexico counties seeking to leave the state.

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.