The legislative session this week saw significant developments in several key areas, with both positive advancements and challenges ahead. Nathan Saavedra, Programs Manager, provided an update on the progress of various bills.

One major piece of legislation is NMIPSA, now known as NMCPSA. Sponsored by Senators Charley and Duhigg, this bill focuses on protecting New Mexicans' data from big tech companies. Saavedra emphasized that "privacy is a critical protection for our communities to stay safe."

On the adoption front, a bill aimed at making confirmatory adoptions more accessible passed its initial committee stage. The objective is to provide LGBTQ couples with a simplified way to prove parenthood when traveling to states or countries less accepting of their family structures.

Additionally, a bill supporting libraries and protecting librarians from potential threats is progressing well. However, not all news was positive. A new bill proposes restrictions on access to gender-affirming care, which Saavedra described as threatening the well-being of vulnerable communities. Another bill could criminalize LGBTQ events under the guise of child safety protection.

There are also efforts to address the overdose crisis through a priority bill from the Public Safety Coalition. This legislation passed its first committee and aims to impact harm reduction efforts significantly.

Saavedra noted ongoing fundraising efforts: "We’ve reached the halfway mark, but we still need to raise $15,000." He encouraged support to ensure resources are available for defending rights and community safety against perceived threats from Donald Trump and his allies.