Enhanced Penalty For Battery On Peace Officer Clears House Judiciary Committee
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement Thursday after the House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed House Bill 103, which strengthens the penalty for battery on a peace officer.
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep New Mexicans safe. They deserve to know that we have their backs and won’t tolerate behavior that puts them at risk.”
House Bill 103 proposes classifying aggravated battery on a police officer as a second-degree felony when it involves: inflicting great Read More
Proposed Tax Credit Proposal Would Expand Benefits To More Than 100K Low-Income New Mexicans
By Esteban Candelaria
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A state and federal tax credit pairing designed to help low-income New Mexicans could grow by 100,000 people if one legislative proposal wins approval.
House Bill 14, a measure that would allow those taxpayers to take advantage of the such benefits, would encourage better workforce participation, reduce poverty and improve outcomes for children, the bill’s co-sponsor, Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo, told lawmakers Wednesday.
The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee voted 10-0 to advance HB 14, which would replace the Working Read More
Legislative Roundup: 38 Days Remaining In Session
Maria Bagwell, with La Clinica de Familia, Inc. and a member of the Las Cruces Suicide Prevention Task Force, uses watercolors to paint an abstract design at the Las Cruces Suicide Prevention Task Force booth for Suicide Awareness Day at the state Capitol Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Bagwell believes in using art to get people to open up and start having more difficult conversations. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican:
Personnel matter sparks debate: The dismissal Tuesday of an analyst for Republicans on the Senate Conservation Committee prompted state Sen. Larry Read More
RPNM Response To Santa Fe County Resolution Defying Illegal Immigration Enforcement
RPNM News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution instructing blatant defiance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in an effort to protect against federal illegal immigration enforcement. This decision not only shields illegal immigrants from federal enforcement but also emboldens criminal elements at the expense of the county’s safety.
The resolution instructs the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility and Sheriff’s Office to not cooperate with ICE by not honoring administrative warrants, not Read More
County Offices To Close Feb. 17 For Presidents Day
COUNTY News:
In observance of Presidents Day, some Los Alamos County government offices and services will close or have modified hours Monday, Feb. 17.
The County’s administrative offices, Atomic City Transit fixed bus routes, and the Environmental Services division will be closed Monday.
The following facilities will have modified hours Monday, Feb. 17:
- White Rock and Mesa libraries – Open 1-5 p.m.
- Aquatic Center – The entire facility will be open from 1-4 p.m.
- Los Alamos County Ice Rink – LAST DAY OF THE SEASON: Open noon-5 p.m.
- Golf Course and Golf Shop – Closed
- Utilities
Heinrich, Senate Colleagues Urge Trump Administration To Exempt Seasonal Firefighters From Federal Hiring Freeze
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and 14 of his Senate colleagues urged the Trump Administration to exempt seasonal firefighters from the federal hiring freeze. Reports emerged last week indicating that the federal funding freeze is preventing the hiring and onboarding of seasonal firefighters, a workforce that already struggles with recruitment and retention. This comes as the West continues to be ravaged by deadly wildfires.
“We write today following reports Read More
Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard Wins 2025 Luminaria Award From Conservation Voters New Mexico
Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, center, surrounded by her staff, receives the the 2025 Luminaria Award for ‘…being a guiding light in bringing New Mexico’s trust lands into the 21st century.’ Courtesy/NMSLO
New Mexico State Land Office News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard is the recipient of the 2025 Luminaria Award presented by the nonprofit organization Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM).
The annual award recognizes pro-conservation champions in New Mexico who lead the way to a better New Mexico for air, land, water, wildlife Read More
Legislative Roundup: 39 Days Remaining In Session
Carlos Muñoz looks out from underneath the hood of his 1955 Chevy Bel Air convertible outside of the State Capitol for Lowrider Day and Hispanic Culture Day Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
State Police Officers Matt Broom and Alex Rodriguez take a look at Joan Medina’s 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix parked outside of the State Capitol for Lowrider Day Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican:
Making moo-ves for local meat, produce: Members of the House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee offered a green Read More
Bill To Bolster CYFD Transparency May Address Long-Standing Information Woes
By ESTEBAN CANDELARIA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A bill aimed at closing gaps in data collection by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department that have spawned public outcry about the agency’s transparency in recent years is making its way through the Roundhouse.
House Bill 203, sponsored by Rep. Meredith Dixon, D-Albuquerque, calls for CYFD to implement an information system that provides hourly backups of records produced or received by workers by the beginning of next year.
The measure also would require the agency to keep records produced by CYFD workers for 24 years after they Read More
Despite Resistance, Strategic Water Supply Secures Narrow Committee Approval
By MARGARET O’HARA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Making water policy in the West is a recipe for anxiety.
Rep. Kristina Ortez, D-Taos, was feeling that stress Tuesday as the House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee mulled the proposed Strategic Water Supply for New Mexico, an initiative backed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to treat brackish water and hydraulic fracturing byproducts for industrial uses.
“I have a lot of agita about this bill,” Ortez said.
Despite the nerves — and pushback from both environmental advocates and oil and gas industry representatives — a committee Read More
County Seeks Applicant For Inclusivity Task Force Vacancy
Courtesy/LANL
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Council is seeking letters of interest from County residents to fill a vacancy on the seven-member Los Alamos Inclusivity Task Force. Letters must be submitted by 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21.
To be eligible, applicants must reside in Los Alamos County and be available to attend task force meetings scheduled through 2025. Meetings occur once, sometimes twice a month at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave. Members can participate in person or virtually via Zoom. The full meeting schedule is available on the County Read More
Smile — Speed Cameras Could Be Coming To A Construction Zone Near You
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Over the last five years, New Mexico State Police has issued more than 13,000 citations in construction zones.
Officers could get help with writing more under a bill the New Mexico Department of Transportation unveiled Tuesday.
Senate Bill 241 would authorize the department to place automated speed enforcement cameras in construction zones, joining 42 other states that have already adopted such measures to protect workers, Transportation Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna said during a news briefing Read More
Heinrich HALT All Lethal Trafficking Of Fentanyl Act Passes U.S. House Of Representatives
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement the tools they need to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets and ensure scientists can research and better understand these substances.
Last week, Heinrich, with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley Read More
House Democrats Push To Lower Costs For New Mexicans
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Monday, New Mexico House Democrats shared updates on recent progress made for working families in the state and discussed new legislation to help make life more affordable for all New Mexicans. While uncertainty looms at the federal level, House Democrats remain committed to ensuring affordable access to necessities like healthcare, groceries, and childcare, and housing.
“Regardless of what happens in Washington, D.C., your state lawmakers have your back,” Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) said. “Taking care of each other is part of who we are as New Mexicans, Read More
Lobbyists Line Up To Oppose Bill To Provide More Oversight Of Hospital Mergers, Acquisitions
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By Daniel J. Chacón
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Acquisitions and mergers of hospitals in New Mexico by private equity companies would undergo increased oversight under legislation generating stiff opposition from some of the most powerful lobbyists in the Roundhouse.
In its first hearing Monday before the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, several lobbyists representing various interests, from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce to Presbyterian Health Services, stood up to voice their opposition to Senate Bill 14.
The committee Read More
‘Medicaid Forward’ Plan For NM Nabs Initial Approval
By Margaret O’Hara
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A proposal to dramatically expand state-administered health insurance coverage took a step forward Monday, after more than a year of research and public input.
The House Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance House Bill 186, which would establish “Medicaid Forward,” greatly extending eligibility for Medicaid while capping health care premiums at 5% of a household income.
The bill’s sponsor, House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, said the proposal is a “major affordability initiative” Read More
House Democrats Talk Turkey—And Tortillas—About Affordability Of Essentials
By Margaret O’Hara
The Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez recently purchased tortillas as he prepared to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.
The Albuquerque Democrat noticed the price tag for his tortillas was higher over the weekend than it was a month ago.
“This is happening. It’s hitting us,” Martínez said.
During a news conference Monday, House Democratic leaders touted recent progress in reducing the cost of health care and child care while promising more legislation this session to reduce the price of housing and groceries. Read More
Bipartisan Cannabis Regulation Bill Headed To House Floor
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Legislation to enhance regulation of New Mexico’s recreational cannabis industry is now headed to the House Floor, after unanimously passing the House Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 10 would establish an Enforcement Bureau within the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) at the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) to investigate potential criminal violations of New Mexico’s cannabis laws. Under this legislation, CCD agents would be able to undertake lawful searches of cannabis facilities, confiscate suspicious products, pursue legal orders to destroy illegal Read More
Deb Haaland Launches Campaign For New Mexico Governor
Deb Haaland early this morning formerly launched her campaign for New Mexico Governor. Video screenshot
From the Deb Haaland for Governor Campaign:
- Haaland focuses on cost of living and safety in launch video
ALBUQUERQUE – Early this morning, Deb Haaland launched her campaign for New Mexico Governor. In a launch video, Haaland focused on the cost of living, safety and emphasized the importance of listening to communities in New Mexico. Haaland also highlighted her experience delivering resources for small businesses, jobs in clean energy, funding for water projects in rural areas, and Read More
Luján Issues Statement On New Portal For Whistleblowers To Bring Attention To Potential Lawlessness
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) issued the following statement Monday regarding the announcement that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) have created a new portal for federal employees who want to disclose information about wrongdoing, abuses of power, and threats to public safety:
“In just three weeks, President Trump has shown New Mexicans that his administration is willing to disregard the rule of law, recklessly terminate civil servants, and disband government Read More
