Rebecca Dow, a House Representative from New Mexico, expressed concerns regarding the recent special session, stating that there was sufficient time for significant reforms to protect residents. However, she claimed that proposed changes were rejected and misrepresented by the media. This statement was made on X.
"Just tell the truth," said Dow. "The special session provided plenty of time to make impactful changes that would protect New Mexico citizens, and improve their quality of life. The competency Bill could have included meaningful reforms. All amendments were rejected."
The special session in New Mexico, held from October 1 to October 2, focused on addressing federal cuts and included a narrow agenda aimed at amending criminal competency procedures and empowering the Health Care Authority to safeguard coverage. According to the Governor's office, the session also addressed behavioral-health supports and related budget adjustments, with bills signed into law on October 3. The timeline emphasized rapid committee work and floor votes over two days.
According to the New Mexico Legislature, the competency bill (SB 2: Criminal Competency) passed unanimously in the Senate with a vote of 37–0 on October 1 and subsequently in the House with a vote of 65–3 on October 2. The governor signed it into law on October 3, with the final version posted on October 7. This measure aims to restore Bernalillo County Metro Court authority that had been disrupted earlier in the year.
Source New Mexico reported that the health care authority bill (HB 2: Health Care Coverage Changes) advanced with a vote of 7–1 in Senate Health & Human Services and passed in the House with a vote of 49–13. The bill grants flexibility to backstop expiring premium tax credits. Attempts to include interstate medical compacts in session work were deemed not germane, deferring broader malpractice and compacts debates until January.
Dow is a Republican representing New Mexico House District 38. She previously served from 2016 to 2022 and will return beginning in 2025. Her official biography lists her as a CEO/educator. Her current committee assignments include House Appropriations & Finance and Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements, aligning her policy focus on budgets and infrastructure intersecting with health and justice issues.
