Sen. Craig Brandt

Maddy summarySB 196 establishes a legal presumption that defendants charged with specific serious crimes (like murder, child trafficking, child abuse, sexual exploitation of children, firearm offenses, or causing death/great bodily harm) should not be released before trial. Prosecutors must prove by "clear and convincing evidence" that the defendant poses a safety threat and no release conditions can protect the public. The defendant may still challenge this presumption in court, but the burden of proof remains on the prosecution. The bill is pending (postponed indefinitely in June 2025) and would apply only to cases filed on or after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 130 creates a new funding calculation for career technical education (CTE) programs in New Mexico public schools. It specifies that CTE program units equal 0.25 multiplied by the number of students enrolled in state-approved CTE programs. This new unit is added to the existing formula used to determine school funding under the Public School Finance Act. The bill directly affects public schools offering CTE programs and the state's school finance system.

Maddy summaryHB 245 prohibits most individuals from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefit claims, except for accredited representatives under federal law. It requires written agreements before services begin and bans guaranteeing specific benefit amounts or charging excessive fees. The bill directly affects non-accredited advocates, attorneys, and third parties who help veterans navigate VA benefit applications. Key provisions include banning upfront fees before formal claims are filed and aligning fee limits with federal standards (38 C.F.R. Part 14.636). This amendment to New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act aims to prevent deceptive or exploitative practices in veterans' benefits assistance.

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.

Maddy summarySB 359 establishes a new process for New Mexico property owners to remove unlawful occupants (trespassers) from residential properties. Property owners or their agents must submit a verified complaint form to the sheriff detailing specific conditions, such as the occupant entering without permission and not being a tenant or family member. The sheriff verifies the complaint, serves a notice to vacate (via hand delivery or posting), and may assist in removal, after which the owner can change locks and remove belongings (with a fee for law enforcement standby). The bill also creates a legal cause of action for individuals wrongfully removed and amends criminal damage to property laws.

Maddy summarySB 411 creates a program to repay medical school loans for physicians who commit to working in New Mexico's designated health shortage areas for four years. Eligible physicians must be licensed in New Mexico, reside in the state, and agree to practice in underserved communities. The state would repay up to $75,000 annually (capped at $300,000 total) toward qualifying education loans, excluding scholarships, personal loans, or debts from state aid programs. Physicians who fail to fulfill the service commitment face penalties including repayment of the award plus interest. The program is funded through a new state trust fund administered by the Higher Education Department.

Maddy summarySB 317 creates the Youth Internship Opportunity Program in New Mexico for 16- to 18-year-olds, prioritizing low-income, at-risk, and underserved youth enrolled in career technical education. The program provides registered internships/apprenticeships in high-demand fields (healthcare, IT, agriculture, trades) with employers paying participants $15-$17 per hour for up to 400 hours, covered by America’s Job Center New Mexico. Participants must achieve skills/certifications under employer mentors, while centers track outcomes, collect data, and submit annual reports to the legislature. The program is funded by a $25 million appropriation from the general fund for fiscal years 2025-2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 455) would allow health care practitioners - such as doctors, dentists, therapists, and nurses - to deduct coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles paid directly by patients (out-of-pocket costs) from their taxable income. Currently, practitioners can only deduct payments from insurers for services, not patient-paid amounts. It applies specifically to commercial health insurance plans (excluding Medicare/Medicaid) and requires the tax department to report annually on how many practitioners use the deduction and its total cost. The bill does not change insurance coverage or patient costs, only the tax treatment for providers.

Maddy summarySB 480 would require New Mexico's Public Education Department to create an annual report by July 15 each year listing all students who have not graduated from high school within four years of entering ninth grade. This report would be shared with adult education providers, workforce development programs, and school districts that help students earn high school diplomas or equivalency credentials (like a GED). The bill defines "out-of-cohort students" as those not graduating within four years of ninth grade. The goal is to provide targeted data to help these programs better support students who fall behind.

Maddy summarySB 70 expands New Mexico's Racketeering Act by adding 37 specific crimes to the definition of "racketeering," including trafficking cannabis products (Section 26-2C-28), sexual exploitation of children, dog fighting, and criminal sexual contact. This change allows prosecutors to pursue racketeering charges against individuals or groups engaging in these offenses as part of a pattern of criminal activity. The bill directly affects law enforcement, prosecutors, and criminal enterprises by broadening the scope of offenses that qualify for racketeering prosecutions under existing penalties. It does not create new penalties but clarifies which crimes can trigger the Racketeering Act's provisions, such as forfeiture of assets gained through illegal activity.