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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Signs 42 “Rocket Docket” Bills

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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