Sen. Leo Jaramillo

Maddy summaryHB 67 defines "reasonable assurance" for higher education employees to prevent denial of unemployment benefits during academic breaks. It affects faculty and staff at New Mexico educational institutions who have a clear expectation of returning to similar or higher-level roles after summer or semester breaks. The bill clarifies that benefits cannot be denied if an employee has a written, oral, or implied offer of continued employment for the next academic term, based on historical reemployment patterns and reasonable anticipation of availability. The bill passed the House but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial declares February 11, 2025 as "Lowrider Day" in the New Mexico Senate and requests the legislature consider designating the lowrider as New Mexico's official state car. It recognizes lowrider culture as integral to New Mexico's heritage, citing its significance in communities like Albuquerque, Espanola, and Santa Fe. The resolution does not create new law but formally acknowledges cultural traditions and encourages legislative consideration of the state car designation.

Maddy summaryHB 186 would create a new "Medicaid Forward Plan" to provide health coverage for New Mexicans under age 65 who earn too much for standard Medicaid (over 133% of the federal poverty level) but still cannot afford private insurance. The plan would use income-based premiums and cost-sharing (with discounts for households below 400% of the poverty level) and require collaboration between the Health Care Authority and the Insurance Office to enroll people through the state health insurance exchange. The bill mandates the state to develop this plan by January 2028, with $2 million allocated for planning staff and consulting in 2026-2027. It specifically requires input from tribal nations and aims to maximize federal funding to keep coverage affordable.

Maddy summarySB 281 requires New Mexico rural electric cooperatives to create and maintain detailed wildfire prevention plans, including vegetation management, system inspections, and emergency protocols. These plans must be reviewed by the Forestry Division and approved by the Public Regulation Commission within 45 days, with public posting required. If approved, cooperatives gain liability protections in wildfire-related lawsuits, including limits on damage awards and a two-year deadline for filing claims. The law directly affects rural electric co-ops by mandating proactive safety measures while balancing service continuity and public safety.

Maddy summarySB 396 amends New Mexico's Hispanic Education Act to improve educational outcomes for Hispanic students in public schools. It requires school districts to develop a systemic framework (with input from students, families, and community groups) including culturally relevant programs, bilingual initiatives, tutoring, and services to boost attendance and graduation rates. The bill mandates an annual statewide report tracking Hispanic student achievement, attendance, graduation rates, and bilingual program availability by school district. The Hispanic Education Liaison, a state position, will advise on these frameworks and five-year plans for post-secondary education.

Maddy summarySB 96 amends New Mexico's definition of "recreational off-highway vehicle" to increase its maximum unladen dry weight limit from 1,750 pounds to 3,500 pounds. This change directly affects manufacturers, dealers, and recreational users of larger off-highway vehicles that previously exceeded the lower weight threshold. The bill updates the weight specification in Section 66-3-1001.1(E)(4)(d) while maintaining other requirements like maximum width (80 inches), non-straddle seating, and the new requirement for a 17-character vehicle identification number. The amendment clarifies the legal definition for regulatory compliance but does not create new operational rules or fees.

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 198 appropriates $2.2 million from the general fund to restore provider payment rates for New Mexico's Family, Infant, Toddler Program for the second through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2025. This bill directly affects childcare providers who serve infants and toddlers by reinstating a previously approved rate increase that was not funded. The key provision allocates specific funding to cover these payments, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund by year-end. The emergency clause allows immediate implementation to address urgent needs in early childhood care.

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.