Maddy summaryThis bill removes time limits for prosecuting human trafficking cases (previously capped at six years), raises the age for child sexual exploitation protections from 16 to 18, and creates a new crime for operating "stash houses" (locations used for drug distribution). It also adds human trafficking and stash houses to racketeering definitions, expands mental health evaluation requirements for defendants, and reforms juvenile justice procedures - including extending court discretion for sentencing young offenders and altering detention rules. These changes directly affect victims of trafficking/exploitation, defendants in related cases, and juvenile justice system participants. The bill was passed by the Senate in March 2025 but was later postponed indefinitely.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 330 would increase prison sentences for specific felony crimes committed to benefit a criminal street gang. If proven beyond a reasonable doubt, defendants convicted of 29 listed offenses (including murder, assault, robbery, drug trafficking, and aggravated battery) would face mandatory extra prison time: 1-8 additional years based on the felony's severity. The enhancements run consecutively and cannot be suspended, applying only when the crime was committed "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with" a gang. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of these gang-linked crimes in New Mexico, with the changes set to take effect July 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 303, titled "GAMING MACHINE STANDARDS," would require all gaming machines in New Mexico to meet specific safety, fairness, and transparency standards to qualify for licensing. Key provisions include preventing machine manipulation to affect winning odds, mandating electronic meters to track all money transactions (including payouts and credits), requiring detailed ticket vouchers for non-coin payouts with timestamps and machine IDs, and ensuring a minimum 80% payback rate over time. The bill also requires machines to link to a central monitoring system and only offer games approved by the gaming board. This directly affects gaming machine operators and manufacturers who must comply with these new specifications to maintain licensure.
Maddy summarySB 302 requires background investigations for contractors seeking unescorted access to Gaming Control Board facilities and updates application and renewal processes for gaming licenses, certifications of suitability, and work permits. Applicants must submit disclosure statements including fingerprints, criminal history details, business activities, and consent to background checks, with investigations completed before access or approval. The Gaming Control Board may deny access or licenses based on felony convictions, misrepresentation, or violations of gaming laws within the past decade. This bill directly affects contractors, license applicants, and permit holders in New Mexico’s gaming industry.
Maddy summarySB 357, the Essential Services Development Act, enables the New Mexico state government to provide financial and technical support for infrastructure projects delivering internet, energy, water, and wastewater services primarily to residential areas. Local governments (cities, towns, counties) and regional government groups must first adopt a development plan detailing project goals, eligibility criteria, and review processes before receiving state assistance. The state’s Department of Finance and Administration will oversee the program, ensuring public funds are used appropriately and that new internet projects avoid duplicating existing federally compliant services. This act directly affects communities seeking to expand essential utility access, requiring structured planning but offering state support for qualifying residential infrastructure improvements.