Peter Wirth, Majority Floor Leader | Senate Democrats
The New Mexico Senate recently addressed several legislative matters, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, wildfire preparedness, cannabis industry regulation, and consumer protection.
Senate Bill 401 was passed with a 23-6 vote. The bill aims to improve educational technology infrastructure by amending the Severance Tax Bonding Act. It establishes the Technology Infrastructure Fund and transfers oversight responsibilities to the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. Senator Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque), who sponsored the bill, stated, "This is about continuing our path to modernize how we manage the proliferation, expansion, and access to broadband here in New Mexico."
House Bill 191 received unanimous approval with a 26-0 vote. This legislation creates two permanent funds related to wildfire management: the Post-Wildfire Fund and the Wildfire Suppression Fund. These funds are managed by the Energy, Mineral and Natural Resources Department and aim to support wildfire preparation and suppression efforts. Senator Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas) commented on the bill's importance for long-term recovery from wildfires.
House Bill 10 passed with a 25-1 vote. It proposes establishing an enforcement bureau within the Regulation and Licensing Department while expanding regulatory authority for the Cannabis Control Division. This will allow hiring certified peace officers to investigate violations of licensing requirements in the cannabis industry. Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe) remarked that "HB 10 will give the Cannabis Control Division much-needed enforcement authority."
Senate Bill 318 was approved with a close vote of 21-18. The bill adds illegal firearms and destructive devices under consumer protection laws via amendments to the Unfair Trade Practices Act. Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) explained that this legislation aims at holding manufacturers accountable for illegal or irresponsible practices related to weapon conversion devices.
Other legislative business included discussions on parole changes, educational opportunities for military children, higher education radio funding, state bread designation, defibrillators in high schools, digital trunked radio system fees, engineer licensure requirements, state trust program accountability plans, local government official changes, gaming control board director qualifications, healthcare authority visit verification protocols, high wage jobs tax credit thresholds, student water safety guidance provisions, instructional days in school year adjustments, and building housing communities initiatives.
