New Mexico Lawmakers Conclude Special Session Without Passing Governor’s Proposed Bills
On Thursday, New Mexico lawmakers gathered at the Roundhouse for the first day of the special session called by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Despite hours of discussion, none of the governor’s proposed bills were passed.
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers approved the funding outlined in HB 1. This bill allocates money for the special session itself, recovery efforts for those affected by the South Fork and Salt wildfires near Ruidoso, and for assisted outpatient treatment programs and competency diversion pilot programs.
“I would certainly ask the governor not to line-item veto this money, and I would go one step further: I would suggest that by signing this diversion money into law, it’s an important first step towards rebuilding the collaborative relationship that needs to exist between the three equal branches of government,” said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe).
The governor’s public safety package included eight bills aimed at addressing criminal competency standards, mental health treatment, crime reporting, pedestrian safety, gun violence, drug overdoses, and wildfire relief. She also added three bills at the last minute to address fentanyl distribution and racketeering. However, none of these bills were passed.
In the Senate chambers, both Republicans and Democrats expressed their views on the session.
“Why would we not take an opportunity to take a step? Why deny progress in pursuit of perfection? Here we could move the needle: maybe not where we need it to be, but let’s get off the number one list for crime in this nation,” said Minority Floor Leader Sen. Gregory Baca (R-Belen).
“You know, with the exception of the legislation with the fire, you know what comes to mind with the result of the vote is: this first special session of 56th legislature could’ve been handled in an email,” said Sen. Cliff Pirtle (R-Roswell).
“I do want to thank the Governor, and I don’t get up here often enough and give credit where credit is due; she deserves the credit for calling the special session,” said Sen. Crystal Diamond Brantley (R-Elephant Butte).
“There is a time and a place for a special session. But I think we’ve seen in the last few months the bills before us are so complicated at times and so deserving of our deliberative roles as lawmakers that we not rush them and do more harm,” said Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces).
While some Senate Democrats criticized the governor’s bills, questioning their necessity and suitability for New Mexico, Republicans continued to push for their passage. “Those of you talking over there and whispering and not paying attention: pay attention! Albuquerque and New Mexico is in trouble,” said Sen. Mark Moores (R-Bernalillo).
The funding bill passed the Senate unanimously and will now head to the governor’s desk. Both the Senate and House voted to adjourn, ending the special session.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham sent this statement:
This legislature just demonstrated that it has no interest in making New Mexico safer. Not one public safety measure was considered. Not one, despite the bills having the backing of police chiefs, public safety unions, mayors, prosecutors, businesses, tribal leaders, crime victims and others who have seen firsthand the erosion of public safety that has deeply damaged the quality of life in our state.
Today I visited a neighborhood that is being ravaged by dangerous activity and everyday petty crime. Families can’t walk in the park, employees are scared to go to work, and businesses are shuttering. For the legislature to ignore these stark realities is nothing less than a dereliction of duty.
The legislature as a body walked away from their most important responsibility: keeping New Mexicans safe. But it is noteworthy that a majority of Republicans would have passed many or all of these bills — they were blocked.
The legislature should be embarrassed at their inability to summon even an ounce of courage to adopt common-sense legislation to make New Mexicans safer. For those of you who go home to the sound of gunshots, who see hypodermic needles in your parks, and the families desperate to get a loved one living on the street the help they deserve, I’m sorry that most of our elected officials didn’t even try.
This was one of the most disappointing days of my career, and the public should be outraged. My promise to you is that I will not stop fighting to protect you and your families.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
