Maddy summarySJM 4 is a non-binding request urging New Mexico's governor to opt the state into a federal tax credit program that allows donors to claim dollar-for-dollar tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations. This program would enable low-income families and students with special needs to access private scholarships covering K-12 education costs - including tuition, books, and special needs services - at public, private, or religious schools, without state funding. The request emphasizes that opting in requires only the governor's decision (no legislative action) and risks losing charitable donations to states like Texas and Colorado that have already joined the program. New Mexico would gain immediate access to this federal opportunity to expand educational choices for underserved students, aligning with bipartisan voter support for the initiative.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 251 prohibits the practice of "program ownership" and "program training" in New Mexico horse racing, where individuals falsely list themselves as owners or trainers in official race programs while the actual owner or trainer remains undisclosed. It directly affects horse owners, trainers, and racetracks that use such deceptive practices to circumvent licensing requirements. The bill amends licensing rules to grant the State Racing Commission authority to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for anyone engaging in these prohibited activities. This creates a concrete policy change by requiring transparency in official race documentation and enforcing accountability through licensing consequences.
Maddy summarySB 306 eliminates the distinction between regionally and nonregionally accredited private colleges and universities in New Mexico by requiring all private post-secondary institutions to obtain a "license" from the Higher Education Department instead of the previous "registration" process for regionally accredited schools. The bill updates all relevant laws to use "licensure" uniformly, mandating annual applications, submission of curriculum and financial information, and payment of a department-set fee. This affects every private college, university, and career school operating in New Mexico that is not publicly funded, creating a single oversight system for all institutions.
Maddy summarySB 175 prohibits courts from awarding punitive damages in medical malpractice cases. The bill directly affects patients who might seek punitive damages and healthcare providers who would no longer face liability for such awards. It amends New Mexico's Medical Malpractice Act to explicitly state that "punitive damages or any other exemplary damages shall not be awarded in a malpractice claim," effective January 1, 2027. This changes the legal standard by removing the possibility of punitive damages in these cases, which were previously permitted under the existing law.
Maddy summarySB 133 creates a tax deduction in New Mexico for healthcare practitioners who sell equipment or non-prescription medication directly to patients during office visits. It allows deductions for items used in patient treatment (like medical devices or saline), excluding standard office furniture and computers. To offset lost local tax revenue, the bill requires municipalities and counties to receive compensation based on the total deductions claimed in their areas. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 159 requires the University of New Mexico's Board of Regents to provide $27 million in state funds over fiscal years 2027-2029 to cover unreimbursed costs for eligible healthcare facilities hosting medical residency programs. Eligible entities include federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, independent psychiatric facilities, and critical access hospitals that sponsor accredited residency programs in New Mexico. The funding covers resident salaries, supervising physician costs, accreditation, and program administration, with priority given to New Mexico residents. Unspent funds by the end of 2029 will revert to the state general fund.
Maddy summaryHB 114 appropriates $1 million from the general fund to expand New Mexico's Double Up Food Bucks program for fiscal year 2027. The bill directly helps SNAP participants by doubling their purchasing power for meat, nuts, eggs, and fresh fruits/vegetables at New Mexico farmers' markets. It requires the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University to manage the funds, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund by year-end. This concrete funding increase aims to increase access to fresh, healthy food for low-income residents at local farmers' markets.
Maddy summarySB 173 expands the types of medical malpractice insurance health care providers in New Mexico can use to meet qualification requirements under the Medical Malpractice Act. It directly affects hospitals, outpatient facilities, and independent providers by removing the current limitation that restricted them to only claims-made or occurrence-based policies. The key provision amends Section 41-5-5 to allow providers to qualify using "any form of malpractice insurance" instead of the previous two options. This change simplifies insurance choices for providers without altering coverage amounts or financial responsibility rules. The bill does not change existing requirements for minimum coverage ($250,000 per claim for most providers) or surcharges.
Maddy summarySB 179 appropriates $350,000 from the state general fund to fund the University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center medical Spanish education program. The funding supports curriculum development and implementation for health sciences students, specifically to enhance Spanish-language medical training. This bill directly affects UNM Health Sciences Center students by expanding their language skills for patient care in New Mexico's Spanish-speaking communities. The appropriation is limited to fiscal years 2027-2028, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund.
Maddy summarySB 186 prohibits New Mexico SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries from using federal benefits to purchase sweetened drinks or candy. The bill defines "candy" as sugar-based products (like bars or pieces) and "sweetened drink" as nonalcoholic beverages with 5g+ added sugar or artificial sweeteners (excluding milk, soy milk, or drinks with 50%+ fruit/vegetable juice). It directly affects SNAP recipients in New Mexico who would no longer be able to use benefits for these specific items. The bill amends the Public Assistance Act to implement this restriction, pending further legislative action.