Rep. Jimmy Mason

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Mexico's Oil Conservation Division to review and act on applications for produced water disposal well permits within strict timeframes. Within 30 days of receiving an application, the division must determine if it's complete and notify the applicant; if incomplete, the applicant gets up to two 30-day opportunities to fix it, restarting the review clock each time. Once an application is deemed complete, the division must grant, conditionally grant, or deny the permit within 15 days, or the permit is automatically approved. The bill directly affects oil and gas companies seeking these permits and the state agency managing the permitting process.

Maddy summaryHB 314 provides zero-interest loans to New Mexico local governments (cities, counties) in Chaves County that received federal disaster funding for repairs after the October 19, 2024 storm. The loans, funded by $150 million from the state general fund, must be repaid within 30 days using the approved federal disaster funds, with failure to repay triggering market interest rates. Political subdivisions must sign reimbursement contracts detailing repayment terms and reporting requirements. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2027-2028, with unused funds reverting to the general fund by 2028. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes police officers and New Mexico Department of Transportation employees to move vehicles, debris, or other obstacles blocking roadways when they create immediate safety risks. It allows officials to clear such hazards from the traveled portion of roads without facing liability for damage to the hazard itself. The law applies statewide to all public roads and aims to improve traffic safety by enabling faster removal of dangerous obstacles. It does not change liability rules for damage to vehicles or property owned by others.

Maddy summaryHB 178 would allocate $3 million from the state general fund to the New Mexico Department of Health to construct shade structures in rural public parks and recreation areas. The bill directs the Department to prioritize sites with inadequate existing shade, high ultraviolet radiation exposure risk, and cost-effective project plans. Unspent funds at year-end would carry forward to future years instead of reverting to the general fund. This policy directly affects rural communities by reducing sun exposure risks in public outdoor spaces used by residents.

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 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.