Sen. Carrie Hamblen

Maddy summarySB 189, titled "PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ELIGIBILITY," proposed amendments to New Mexico's public assistance application and eligibility process for cash assistance and SNAP benefits. It required departments to process applications faster (e.g., expedited SNAP within 7 days), mandate resource planning sessions within 30 days, and create individual responsibility plans focused on employment goals for applicants. The bill directly affected households applying for state assistance programs, requiring them to develop work plans and comply with participation standards. However, the bill was replaced by a committee substitute and later postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 508 requires most health insurance plans in New Mexico to cover specific healthcare services without cost sharing (like copays or deductibles). It mandates coverage for abortion care, gender-affirming care, and contraception as outlined in federal guidelines, along with preventive services like immunizations and women's screenings. The bill also creates a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals and eliminates prior authorization for these services. High-deductible health plans are exempt until the policyholder meets their deductible, except where federal law allows. This bill directly affects insurance providers, healthcare facilities, and enrollees seeking these covered services.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial 3 requests New Mexico's Department of Game and Fish, Forestry Division, and State Land Office to develop recommendations for a statewide beaver management plan by October 2025. The memorial directs these agencies to propose a lead agency, include relevant stakeholders, and outline a timeline and budget for the plan. It aims to capture beavers' watershed benefits - like improved water retention, reduced erosion, and better water quality - while addressing potential conflicts with agriculture and infrastructure. The plan would build on existing state guidance for landowners managing beaver activity. (Note: This is a procedural memorial, not a law, so it does not directly affect residents or implement policy.)

Maddy summarySB 266, the "Higher Education Accountability Act," requires New Mexico's State Board of Finance and Attorney General to review and approve certain agreements involving university administrators (like presidents or senior leaders) before they take effect. It specifically covers employment contracts, retention deals, separation terms, and settlement agreements, plus release of liability and indemnification clauses. The bill mandates annual reports from the State Board of Finance to the Attorney General on reviewed agreements and creates a legal cause of action against board members who breach fiduciary duties (like failing to act in the institution's best interest). It also requires boards to hire separate legal counsel if a breach occurs. These provisions aim to increase oversight and accountability for high-level compensation and contract terms at state universities and community colleges.

Maddy summaryHB 526 would allow 16- and 17-year-old New Mexico residents to register to vote in local, municipal, and special local elections. Once registered, they would become eligible to vote in these elections upon turning 16, rather than waiting until age 18. The bill specifically applies to local elections (not statewide or federal contests) and requires registration through standard channels like the motor vehicle department or online portal. It takes effect January 1, 2026, but is currently postponed indefinitely after committee approval.

Maddy summarySB 473 creates a New Mexico income tax credit for unpaid volunteers who assist in search and rescue operations. Taxpayers who volunteer at least six times (or 60 hours) in a year can claim a $500 credit, while those volunteering 12 times (or 120+ hours) qualify for $1,000. The credit requires certification from the state search and rescue resource officer, with a $3 million annual cap on total credits issued. The credit expires after 2035 and applies to taxable years beginning in 2025 or later.

Maddy summaryHB 518 designates the fourth Tuesday of January in each odd-numbered year as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Expansive Day" in New Mexico. The bill requires the people of New Mexico to observe this day through activities that celebrate LGBTQ+ cultural, economic, and historic contributions to the state. It specifically aims to honor LGBTQ+ leaders and achievements while promoting diversity in New Mexico. This is a ceremonial observance without new regulations or funding, directly affecting how the state recognizes LGBTQ+ communities annually.

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 summarySB 358 creates the Equine Welfare Trust Fund (initially funded with $20 million from the general fund) to support New Mexico's existing Equine Shelter Rescue Fund. The trust fund will distribute 2% of its annual value to the rescue fund starting in 2026, increasing to 4% annually after 2027, with a portion covering administrative costs. Registered equine rescue and retirement facilities meeting specific criteria (like 501(c)(3) status, no intentional breeding, and adherence to veterinary guidelines) can apply for annual funding to cover shelter, veterinary care, infrastructure, and adoption programs. The bill requires the administering board to report annually on fund usage, unspent balances, and how projects support equine welfare. It directly affects eligible nonprofit equine rescue organizations across New Mexico.

Maddy summarySB 300 appropriates $10 million from the state general fund to the Higher Education Department for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to expand access to and enrollment in adult literacy programs across New Mexico. The bill directly affects adult learners seeking to improve reading, writing, and communication skills, as well as the state's adult education providers. Key provisions include allocating funds specifically for statewide program expansion and requiring unspent balances by the end of 2027 to revert to the general fund. The legislation focuses on increasing funding availability rather than creating new program requirements.