Roundup at the Roundhouse Jan. 23, 2021

Category: NM Legislative Session 2021 NM Legislative Session 2021
Published: 23 January 2021 23 January 2021

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE LEGISLATURE
PROPOSED HOUSE RULES FOR SESSION LACK TRANSPARENCY

Next week the House will vote on rules regarding how this year's legislative session will operate. Yesterday, the House Rules and Order of Business Committee voted along party lines 11 to 5 that most of the session's business will run virtually.

The rules would require almost every member of the House to participate in floor sessions through electronic means. Even members who are in the House chamber would have to wear headphones and appear via the internet. This is not transparent government. The Constitution says all members must convene in the seat of government.

House Rule 1 was contested by Minority Leader Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) and other Republcians who pointed out that the majority was worried about the impression this would have on the public, which will see Republicans inside the Capitol while Democrats take part in sessions virtually.

"The majority is hesitant for the public to see the optics of the minority on the House floor doing what they were elected to do and the other side of the chamber empty," Townsend said. "That is the real issue."

ABORTION BILL HEADS TO COMMITTEE ON MONDAY

On Monday afternoon the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee is scheduled to take up a controversial abortion bill. Democratic lawmakers are pushing SB 10 to repeal a 1969 state law that criminalizes abortion in New Mexico. The law is not currently enforced because the U.S. Supreme Court passed Roe v. Wade in 1973, legalizing abortion nationwide. This repeal would be devastating for New Mexico. We must protect the unborn and the women of New Mexico.

GOV. LUJAN GRISHAM SIGNS FEED BILL

Gov. Lujan Grisham has signed her first bill. It's HB 1--the "Feed Bill"--which provides funding for the legislative session. The $32 million will go to legislative staff, meals and travel expenses for lawmakers. The bill also includes $2.1 million for additional Roundhouse security.

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGISLATION MAY BE INTRODUCED NEXT WEEK

Legislation may be filed as early as next week to legalize recreational marijuana in New Mexico. This bill has been pushed by lawmakers and Gov. Lujan Grisham who argue the legalization of pot would bring in millions of dollars for the state. While this might be true, serious questions must be raised. Recreational marijuana will get into the hands of children, a black market will develop and drivers will be impaired under the influence of the drug. This bill is not a good idea.

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