Sen. Steven P. Neville District 2 San Juan | Senate Republicans
The Special Session in Santa Fe aimed at addressing public safety concluded after five hours, resulting in the passage of a single bill. This legislation allocates funds for the session itself, wildfire relief, assisted outpatient treatment programs, and competency diversion pilot programs.
Senate Republican Leader Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), Senate Republican Whip Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), and Senate Republican Caucus Chair Mark Moores (R-Albuquerque) released a joint statement following the session's adjournment. They expressed disappointment over what they viewed as a missed opportunity to tackle public safety issues effectively.
“It is sad to see this opportunity to address public safety squandered," their statement read. "Time and time again, Democrats in the legislature have been unwilling to take a small step forward to curb the crime crisis plaguing our state. We recognize no bill is perfect at introduction, but under the Democrat-controlled Senate and House, we did not even bother to give these bills a committee hearing today."
The statement also acknowledged Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's efforts on public safety: "We thank the Governor for being bold enough to take a stand on public safety even when her party abandoned her and the citizens of New Mexico." The senators concluded by emphasizing their belief that control of the Legislature should shift to Republicans.