FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 4, 2019
Contact: Chris Nordstrum chris.nordstrum@nmlegis.gov, 415-601-1992
54TH SESSION OF NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE
GETS OFF TO FAST START
GOVERNOR MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM AND SENATE AND HOUSE MEMBERS
PASS UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF BILLS ON “ROCKET DOCKET”
IN FIRST THREE WEEKS OF SESSION
Santa Fe, NM–On Monday, New Mexico’s new Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, signed 25 Senate bills and 17 House bills into law, keeping her promise to “go big” by pursuing an aggressive policy agenda. The Senate and expanded majority in the House fast-tracked an unprecedented number of common-sense, bipartisan bills to the Governor’s desk, breaking the logjam of worthy initiatives that languished under the previous administration.
After the Democrats reclaimed control of both the executive and legislative branches for the first time since 2010, the Roundhouse has been a hub of activity during the first three weeks of the session–with a palpable sense of energy, excitement and purpose sweeping through the halls of the state capitol.
“The gridlock in Santa Fe is finally over,” said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth of Santa Fe. “New Mexicans across the state appreciate having a Governor who wants to govern, and that’s what we’re doing today. With the signing today we turn a page, and it’s a perfect start to a lot of hard work for the remainder of the session. This is what governing looks like.”
The impact of these 42 meaningful, new laws will be felt statewide. Some of the highlights include:
SB191 Lobbyist Reporting Requirements
Sponsor: Senator Daniel A. Ivey-Soto, (D) Dist. 15-Bernalillo
Will close a loophole that allows lobbyists to buy politicians meals, beverages and other kinds of entertainment up to $100 without reporting it to campaign finance regulators, giving a more complete picture of each lobbyist’s spending during reporting periods.
SB150 Homeowner Associations Changes
Sponsor: Senate Majority Whip Mimi Stewart, (D) Dist. 17-Bernalillo
Will protect new homeowners from being responsible for unpaid HOA fees by previous owners, as well as excessive administrative costs. Will improve transparency by requiring full disclosure.
SB189 Mobility Limitation Transport Placards
Sponsor: Senate Sander Rue, (R) Dist. 23-Bernalillo
Will allow organizations with vehicles that are used primarily to transport persons with significant mobility limitation(s) to be assigned placards allowing them to park in specially designated “handicapped” parking areas–providing easier access.
SB199 Electronic Communications Privacy Act
Sponsor: Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, (D) Dist. 25-Santa Fe
Will require law enforcement agencies to have a court order before compelling service providers to produce information from electronic devices (such as smartphones and tablets), providing privacy protection for consumers.
SB28 Placement of Children in Protective Custody
Sponsor: Senate Michael Padilla, (D) Dist. 14-Bernalillo
Will officially give preference to placing a child with a relative, minimizing disruptive influences for children who must be placed away from their families.
SB157 Sick Leave For Educational Retirement Credit
Sponsor: Bill Soules, (D) Dist. 37-Doña Ana
Will reward retiring teachers for good attendance.
Complete list of Senate Bills Signed today:
SB 9/ec – Conditional Prescription Certificates
SB 18 – Local Government Planning Fund
SB 28 – Foster Care by Other Family Members
SB 48/a – Student Diabetes Management
SB 58 – State Budget Request Sub-Programs
SB 77 – Cave Exploration Landowner Liability
SB 106/a – Short-Term Rental Occupancy Tax
SB 117 – Wastewater System Financing
SB 118/a – Crime Victims & Witness Confidentiality
SB 145/a – STEMI Triage Plan Distribution
SB 149 – Rename Alcohol & Gaming Division
SB 150/a – Homeowner Assoc Dispute Resolution
SB 157 – Sick Leave for Educational Retirement Credit
SB 164 – Gifts & Prizes for Insurance Customers
SB 179 – Disabilities Students Lottery Scholarships
SB 189 – Mobility Limitation Transport Placards
SB 191 – Lobbyist Reporting Changes
SB 193/a – Beef Council Assessment Opt-Out
SB 197/ec – Create Judge Pro Tempore Fund
SB 198 – Funds for AOC Director Duties
SB 199 – Electronic Communication Privacy Act
SB 200/ec – Massage Therapy Act
SB 215 – Maternal Mortality & Morbidity
SB 236 – Disabled Veteran License Plate Options
SB 244 – Legal Services for Land Grants & Acequias
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