Sen. Pat Woods

Maddy summaryThe provided context for SB 299 does not include specific provisions, mechanisms, or policy changes of the bill. It only lists the bill's title ("PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE"), sponsor (Senator Pat Woods), and a note that it is pending before the Senate Finance Committee (as of February 4, 2026). No concrete details about who the bill affects or what it would change are included in the text. Without substantive bill language or a summary, a factual policy description cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the substantive provisions or policy details of SB 298. The bill's title ("Public Peace, Health, Safety & Welfare") and committee action ("not printed Senate Conservation Committee") are listed, but no specific mechanisms, affected groups, or policy changes are described in the text or summary. Without additional details on the bill's content, a factual summary cannot be generated.

Maddy summaryBased solely on the provided context, a summary of SB 297 cannot be generated. The bill title ("PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE") is broad and generic, and the context includes no bill text, specific provisions, or policy details. The only action listed is its referral to the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee on February 4, 2026, which does not indicate the bill's content. Without additional information describing the bill's specific mechanisms or affected parties, a factual summary meeting the requested criteria is not possible.

Maddy summarySB 247 allows a New Mexico Medical Review Commission panel's report to be used as evidence in court when a health care provider defends against a lawsuit seeking punitive damages. Specifically, if the panel determines there is insufficient evidence of medical malpractice, that finding becomes admissible evidence. This applies to cases involving malpractice claims against doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers covered by New Mexico's Medical Malpractice Act. The bill changes how medical review panel decisions can be presented in court to help providers challenge punitive damage claims.

Maddy summarySB 246 requires massage therapy establishments in New Mexico to obtain a license, defining such establishments as facilities offering massage therapy services (excluding hospitals, clinics, or offices run by licensed medical professionals). The bill adds a requirement for these licensed establishments to display their license with a current photo in a visible location. It also updates definitions related to continuing education for massage therapists and mandates photo identification on all new or renewed licenses issued after July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects massage therapy businesses operating as standalone establishments, not those within larger healthcare facilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial (SM 26) requests the New Mexico Senate formally support utilities participating in **voluntary energy markets** as a step toward regional grid coordination. It directly affects New Mexico's electricity utilities and their customers by encouraging participation in regional energy markets to improve grid reliability and potentially lower costs. The key mechanism is the Senate’s endorsement of this approach under Public Regulation Commission oversight, aiming to advance state energy transition goals while maintaining transparency and accountability. (Note: This is a non-binding memorial, not a bill.)

Maddy summarySB 162 allows regional housing authorities in New Mexico to create nonprofit corporations that can enter agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense. These nonprofits may handle property-related work - like leasing, building, or managing facilities - both inside and outside New Mexico, under federal law (10 U.S.C. § 2679). All income from these agreements must directly support the regional housing authority’s affordable housing goals. The bill amends state law to authorize this, ensuring nonprofits follow the same duties as the housing authorities that create them.

Maddy summarySB 161 requires New Mexico electric utilities (including regulated companies and certain municipal cooperatives) to create and submit wildfire prevention plans to the Public Regulation Commission for approval. Utilities that follow approved plans can receive a "certificate of compliance," which shields them from liability in lawsuits if a fire originates from their equipment. The law also allows utilities to recover mitigation costs through special bill charges ("riders") and mandates annual compliance reports. This directly affects utilities operating in wildfire-prone areas and changes how liability is handled in fire-related lawsuits.

Maddy summarySB 164 transfers responsibility for regulating ambulance services from New Mexico's Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Department of Health (DOH). The bill moves existing ambulance standards, certification programs, enforcement authority, and related records to DOH, including oversight of ambulance service requirements, tariffs, and safety rules. This change directly affects ambulance providers, local governments operating ambulance services, and emergency medical service programs statewide. The bill does not create new standards but shifts administrative control to DOH while maintaining current regulatory requirements.

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.