Sen. Steve McCutcheon

Maddy summaryThis New Mexico bill proposes making the distribution of fentanyl a capital felony if it results in the death of the person who used it. The law defines the crime as intentionally and unlawfully giving fentanyl or similar substances to someone who then dies from injecting, inhaling, absorbing, or ingesting them. It also removes the defense that the deceased might have knowingly or recklessly taken the drug. Additionally, the bill creates a specific legal definition for "fentanyl-related substances" to include various chemical modifications of fentanyl.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 16 proposes allocating $3 million from the state's general fund to support communication infrastructure projects in Dona Ana, Hidalgo, and Luna counties. The funds are designated for the construction or maintenance of cellular telephone and radio towers to improve local connectivity. This money would be managed by the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration during fiscal year 2025. Any unused portion of the budget at the end of the fiscal year would return to the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the mandatory prison sentence for selling or trafficking fentanyl in New Mexico when the amount involved is one kilogram or more. Specifically, it would add three years to the existing basic sentence for this offense if a court or jury makes a separate finding of fact regarding the drug quantity. The legislation directly affects individuals charged with distributing fentanyl and would apply to both adult and minor victims. Currently, the bill has been sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee but has been postponed indefinitely.

Maddy summarySB 15 prohibits the state of New Mexico and its local governments from passing laws that restrict the use of personnel or resources to assist federal immigration enforcement. This measure prevents any local jurisdiction from adopting rules that would hinder federal immigration operations. The bill directly affects state and local governments by limiting their ability to create policies that interfere with federal immigration authority.