Sen. Jay Block

Maddy summarySB 299 requires New Mexico's Secretary of State to send written notice to county commissioners in a legislative district within 15 days when a state representative or senator's seat becomes vacant. This bill directly affects county commissioners, ensuring they are promptly informed about vacancies in their district's legislative office. It amends existing law to establish this notification process, replacing the previous requirement for the Secretary to notify only the affected legislative office. The bill is procedural and does not alter substantive policy or create new obligations beyond this administrative notification.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund to the Veterans' Services Department for fiscal year 2026 to contract services supporting transitional housing for veterans and their families. It directly affects veterans and their families in New Mexico by funding temporary housing support during transitions. The key mechanism is a one-time funding allocation for contracted housing services, with any unspent funds reverting to the state treasury by year-end. The bill does not change eligibility rules or create new programs, solely providing dedicated funding for existing transitional housing support.

Maddy summarySB 340 sets a 30-day limit on emergency orders restricting commerce, public assembly, or personal conduct (such as clothing, movement, or other personal activities) in New Mexico. These orders automatically expire after 30 days unless extended by the legislature through new legislation or by the governor for up to two additional 30-day periods, with the governor required to provide a written justification for any extension. The bill applies to both general emergencies under the All Hazard Emergency Management Act and public health emergencies. It does not alter existing requirements for the governor to consult with health officials when declaring a public health emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 292 creates the "All Cities and Counties Fund" to redistribute 8% of certain gross receipts tax revenue to New Mexico municipalities and counties. It establishes a formula calculating transfers based on population and tax revenue data, distributing funds to cities and counties according to their population and local tax contributions. The fund is designed to provide annual payments starting July 1, 2025, with the state treasurer making transfers by November 1 each year. The bill was approved by committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and has not advanced further.

Maddy summarySB 398 would provide New Mexico residents who are U.S. citizens and file individual income tax returns with a $500 tax rebate per person, plus $500 per dependent claimed, and an additional $500 for married couples filing jointly. To qualify, residents must have been physically present in New Mexico for at least six months during the tax year and not incarcerated for over six months that year. The rebate reduces tax liability or is refunded if it exceeds the amount owed, applying to tax years starting in 2025. The bill was postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and has not advanced further.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2) amends New Mexico's criminal competency law to clarify court jurisdiction when a defendant's competency to stand trial is questioned. It requires metropolitan courts to transfer a case to a district court if they determine a defendant is not competent to stand trial - previously, metropolitan courts could retain jurisdiction in such cases. The bill directly affects criminal defendants in New Mexico who face competency evaluations during trial. The title "Public Health & Safety Initiatives" is misleading, as the bill concerns court procedures, not public health measures. (Note: The bill's emergency designation cites public safety, but the substantive change relates solely to court jurisdiction.)

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a 50% property tax exemption for primary residences of emergency first responders in New Mexico. It applies to active responders who have completed a probationary period and worked at least one year, as well as retired responders who received a full pension (100% of their final average salary). The exemption requires the property to be the responder's primary residence. If approved by voters, this would change state tax law to specifically support emergency personnel through property tax relief.

Maddy summarySB 200 designates the first Tuesday in November (election day) as a new public holiday called "State Holiday to Vote" in New Mexico. This would require state government offices and public institutions to close on that date, directly affecting state employees and public services operating on legal holidays. The bill amends New Mexico's legal holidays statute to add this designation as a specific holiday. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the Senate on June 3, 2025, and is not yet law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, misnamed as the "Detransitioner Protection Act" but actually focused on restricting care for minors, prohibits health care providers and public bodies from providing gender transition procedures or related information to minors under 18. It requires providers to give specific written and verbal notices to minors or parents about risks of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, citing unproven benefits and potential harms like reduced bone density and sterilization. Violations could lead to license revocation for providers. The bill does not address detransitioners, as defined in its text, but centers on preventing gender transition care for minors.

Maddy summarySB 280 adds the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to the list of "constitutional special schools" under New Mexico's Public School Capital Outlay Act. This change directly affects NMMI by making it eligible for state funding to support school facility improvements, such as building systems and infrastructure. The bill amends the legal definition of "constitutional special schools" to include NMMI alongside the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the New Mexico School for the Deaf. This is a procedural update to the existing funding law, ensuring NMMI qualifies for capital outlay funding like other designated special schools.