Sen. Steve Lanier

Maddy summarySB 233 requires New Mexico public schools to provide high-impact tutoring to students in grades 4-8 who score in the bottom 25% on statewide math or reading assessments. Schools must identify these students annually, notify parents within 30 days, and deliver individualized tutoring at least three times weekly for ten weeks, with a maximum 4:1 student-to-tutor ratio. The tutoring must use aligned materials, include parent progress reports, and can replace or supplement existing remediation programs under state law. This directly affects students with academic deficiencies and public schools in New Mexico’s K-8 system.

Maddy summarySB 63 creates a dedicated $2 million "County Dog and Cat Spay and Neuter Subaccount" within New Mexico's Animal Welfare Program Fund, specifically for counties to contract with licensed veterinarians. This subaccount funds spay and neuter services for individual pet owners, directly benefiting pet owners and counties managing these programs. The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 and future years, with unspent balances not reverting to the general fund. It does not alter eligibility for other animal welfare grants but establishes a separate funding stream for this specific service.

Maddy summaryHB 170 requires New Mexico voters to present identification at polling places and when requesting mail ballots. It allows voters to use photo IDs, utility bills, or other government documents (including tribal IDs) instead of a driver's license for in-person voting, while requiring a driver's license or MVD ID plus Social Security number for mail ballots. The bill mandates the Motor Vehicle Division to issue free voter ID cards and provides free copies of ID documents at government offices. This directly affects all New Mexico voters participating in person or by mail, changing current voting requirements.

Maddy summarySB 18 creates a new criminal offense for "swatting" in New Mexico, defined as knowingly making a false emergency report to law enforcement or emergency services with the intent to trigger a rapid response. The bill classifies swatting as a fourth-degree felony (same penalty as bomb scares) and increases the penalty for making a shooting threat to a fourth-degree felony. It also requires convicted individuals to reimburse victims for economic harm, including lost wages, business shutdown costs, and other direct financial losses caused by the false report. This law directly affects people who make false emergency reports and victims of such incidents.

Maddy summarySB 346 allocates $5 million in state funds for capital improvements across New Mexico during fiscal years 2025-2026. It directly affects local governments and communities by funding specific projects like a new fire truck in Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), critical incident response vehicles for Las Cruces police (Dona Ana County), career technical education equipment for Lovington schools, and senior meal programs in Grant/Hidalgo/Luna counties. The bill provides targeted funding for community needs including youth programs, public safety equipment, fire stations, and educational resources without creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 453 prohibits New Mexico's Secretary of State and county clerks from sending voter registration eligibility notices to non-U.S. citizens. The bill would have amended the Election Code to block such notifications to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or to groups containing non-citizens. It specifically targets the mailing of materials that might suggest non-citizens could register to vote, though it does not affect actual voter registration eligibility. The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 3, 2025, and did not advance.

Maddy summarySB 434 requires New Mexico public schools to identify students with math or reading deficiencies based on statewide assessment scores in the lowest proficiency level. Schools must notify parents within 30 days of identification and provide individualized accelerated instruction - delivered by trained staff at least three times weekly in 30-minute sessions - within 30 days of identification. The bill mandates high-quality, aligned materials and requires schools to share detailed instruction plans and biweekly progress reports with parents. This directly affects students in New Mexico public schools scoring below proficiency in math or reading, focusing on targeted academic support.

Maddy summarySB 432 creates a new Behavioral Health Grant Program to fund community-based mental health services for counties and municipalities. It establishes a dedicated fund financed by 2% of liquor excise tax revenue and 5% of cannabis excise tax revenue, which will be distributed to local governments for prevention, treatment, and screening programs. To qualify, applicants must submit adopted behavioral health plans and prioritize evidence-based or research-based approaches, with special attention to children's services and equitable geographic distribution. The program requires grantees to report annually on program outcomes and effectiveness, administered by the state's local government division.

Maddy summarySB 452 (New Mexico, 2025) would make it a fourth-degree felony to knowingly ask a non-U.S. citizen to register to vote or vote in New Mexico, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines per violation. The bill directly affects individuals or groups who solicit non-citizens for voter registration or participation, including community organizers or volunteers. Key provisions prohibit solicitation (verbally or electronically), state that including a disclaimer advising non-citizens not to vote does not defend against charges, and authorize prosecutors to enforce the law. The bill, which stalled in committee, would take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 286 creates the "Education Freedom Account Act," which establishes state-funded accounts for low-income New Mexico students (eligible if family income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and without a high school diploma). The program deposits funds equal to average public school spending per student (adjusted for special needs) into accounts, allowing parents to cover qualifying expenses like private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and approved educational services at non-online private schools. Funds must be used exclusively for these approved expenses through annual contracts, cannot be refunded to parents, and unused balances revert to the state general fund after two years. The bill explicitly excludes online schools from being eligible education service providers.