Rep. Jack Chatfield

Maddy summaryHB 85 creates a program to increase healthcare providers in New Mexico's underserved areas by offering loan repayment and loan-for-service agreements. It establishes a Medical Provider Recruitment Trust Fund (initially funded with $5 million from the general fund) that invests money and distributes 5% of its annual value to a separate Program Fund. This Program Fund, supported by an additional $1 million annual appropriation, provides financial assistance to physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses who agree to work in designated underserved communities. Priority is given to applicants who graduated from New Mexico state universities or bordering states universities and to those specializing in primary care.

Maddy summaryHB 48 allocates $2 million from the state general fund to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech) for seismology equipment and expanding earthquake monitoring capabilities. The funding supports the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources at NM Tech, working with the Oil Conservation Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The bill requires all funds to be spent by the end of fiscal year 2027, with any unspent money reverting to the general fund. This directly affects NM Tech's geoscience operations and state agencies responsible for monitoring seismic activity and oil industry compliance. The measure focuses on upgrading physical equipment and network infrastructure for earthquake detection.

Maddy summaryHouse Memorial 30 requests the Legislative Education Study Committee to examine New Mexico's public education governance structure. It directs a working group to study how to improve coordination across state agencies, schools, and communities - addressing gaps highlighted by the Martinez-Yazzie court ruling on education sufficiency. The group will review models from other states, analyze existing education plans, and recommend a potential statewide commission to create a long-term vision and ensure equitable student outcomes. The committee must report its findings by November 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 184 reorganizes New Mexico's conservation funding by transferring the entire balance of the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund into the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and establishing new investment and distribution rules. It requires the Conservation Legacy Fund to be invested under the prudent investor rule, sets annual distributions from the Conservation Legacy Fund to the Land of Enchantment Fund at 5% of its three-year average value, and specifies how funds from the Land of Enchantment Fund must be allocated. Specifically, 22.5% goes to the Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department for forest/watershed projects, 22.5% to the University Board for agricultural programs, 10% to the Environment Department for water quality, 15% to Economic Development for outdoor recreation, 8% to Cultural Affairs, and 22% to Wildlife for conservation programs. Unspent funds from these allocations revert to the Conservation Legacy Fund. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 334, the "Rural Electric Co-op Wildfire Liability Act," requires New Mexico's rural electric cooperatives to create and maintain detailed wildfire prevention plans. These plans must cover risk assessments, vegetation management, system inspections, emergency procedures, and public safety considerations, and must be reviewed by the Forestry Division and approved by the Public Regulation Commission. If approved, the cooperative can limit liability for wildfire-related damages (including economic and noneconomic losses) and claims must be filed within two years. The law also mandates public posting of the plans and annual compliance reports on the cooperatives' websites.

Maddy summaryHB 560, the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act, requires New Mexico public high schools (grades 9-12) to establish programs helping students gain workforce skills before graduation. Students can choose pathways including industry certifications, college courses while in high school, apprenticeships with local employers, or on-the-job training. The bill mandates annual evaluations tracking program participation, post-graduation employment, and attendance impacts, with $20 million appropriated for implementation starting in fiscal year 2026. Schools must collaborate with workforce departments to align programs with local job market needs.

Maddy summaryHB 94 sets maximum class sizes for kindergarten through third grade in New Mexico public schools. School districts must include specific class load data in their annual budget plans and obtain special approval for temporary waivers exceeding these limits. The bill requires districts to report how funds are used to maintain these class size requirements, including details on instructional staffing and resource allocation. It directly affects K-3 public school districts and their budget planning processes.

Maddy summaryHB 362 creates a 3-year rainfall enhancement pilot project administered by the Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District to test methods for artificially increasing precipitation (e.g., cloud seeding) as a tool to address drought and climate impacts. The bill allocates $3.6 million from the state general fund for the project, requires collaboration with New Mexico State University to analyze data and assess environmental risks, and mandates annual reports to legislators. It clarifies that water generated through this project will be treated as part of the natural water supply under existing water rights, not subject to new allocations, and protects against liability claims related to the project. The pilot aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness and environmental impact of rainfall enhancement techniques.

Maddy summaryHB 208 allows New Mexico residents applying for a hunting or fishing license at the Department of Game and Fish to register to vote simultaneously. It adds the department of game and fish to existing state agencies (like motor vehicle offices) where eligible voters can register or update their registration during service interactions. The bill requires the department to appoint license vendors to accept voter registration forms, with all registrations transmitted to election officials within 10 days. This policy change directly affects people seeking hunting/fishing licenses who are not already registered to vote, expanding access points for voter registration without altering voting rights or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 126 appropriates $3 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for soil and water conservation districts statewide during fiscal year 2026. The funding supports districts' regular operations and programs, as required by state law (Sections 73-20-25 through 73-20-48 NMSA 1978), including activities like erosion control and water management. Any unspent funds at year-end would revert to the general fund. This bill directly affects conservation districts across New Mexico, providing them with dedicated resources for their statutory duties.