(SANTA FE, NM) – The Senate convened this final Monday for a split Floor session. Business discussed included:
Enhancing Cybersecurity Protections on New Mexico’s State Data Network
As we continue our effort to build a strong cybersecurity environment for the state of New Mexico, Senate Bill 254 changes the name of the Cybersecurity Office to the Office of Cybersecurity to further align it with other state government offices, removing duplicative work happening in some of the areas of state government. It also changes the State Chief Information Security Officer’s role from a nonvoting member into a voting Chair of the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee. This revamped cybersecurity authority will provide its services to executive agencies, as well as counties, tribal entities, municipalities, higher education institutions, and public school districts. Senate Bill 254 passed by a vote of 37-0.
“As New Mexico carries out our Marshall Plan to expand broadband access across our vast state, the cybersecurity and stability of state information networks is critical,” said Senate Bill 254 sponsor Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque). “In the last year alone, our state agencies and public school districts have already been victim to bad actors either looking for chaos or a payout, and we must send an overwhelming response that this will not stand.”
Rejuvenating New Mexico’s State Fairgrounds
Senate Bill 481 creates a new Tax Increment Development District called the State Fairgrounds District in Albuquerque and creates a 7-member State Fairgrounds District Board to oversee its solvency and economic development. Seventy-five percent of the gross receipt generated within the district will stay within the district to finance infrastructure development. The district includes the Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino, adjacent parking areas, and horse barns, with provisions allowing the Board to purchase additional private property southwest of the current fairgrounds.
“Like so many New Mexicans, I have great memories from the state fair, which has been hosted in the same spot dating back to 1938,” said Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque). “However, it’s no secret that our state fairgrounds need serious work. Senate Bill 481 makes sure Albuquerque has the resources we need to redevelop this area, and that we have a team in place to help envision the next chapter for these historic grounds.”
Shining a Light on State Government Lobbying Activities
Passing by a vote of 22-15, House Bill 143 now awaits Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signature. House Bill 143 requires lobbyists to file a “lobbying activity report” with the Secretary of State to disclose within 48 hours of any lobbying activity related to introduced legislation. That report must include 1) the legislation being lobbied; 2) the lobbyist and their employer’s past and present position on that legislation; and 3) the name of their employer. This bill follows national trends, providing the public with information about how lobbying funds are spent, who is funding it, and how legislation is being influenced.
“Since my first days as a legislator here in the Roundhouse I have felt that New Mexicans, and especially those who live far away from Santa Fe like me, have never gotten a full picture of what is happening during the legislative session,” said House Bill 143 sponsor Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces). “This is a transparency tool that will help every New Mexican, regardless of whether you live in Santa Fe, Las Cruces or over in Carlsbad, know who is trying to influence your duly elected legislator. That’s a basic tenet of democracy.”
Providing Law Enforcement with the Tools They Need to Keep Communities Safe
House Bill 12 would make it easier for law enforcement to temporarily suspend access to firearms for those deemed a threat to themselves or others. The bill would make New Mexico’s existing Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order, or “Red Flag Law,” easier to navigate for both law enforcement and individuals so that it can be more effectively enforced. This bill is a priority public safety measure for Governor Lujan Grisham, and it now heads to her desk for signature.
“When people are in crisis and not in a position to make clear decisions, removing firearms from the situation will help keep them and those around them safe,” said Senator Katy Duhigg (D – Albuquerque), one of the senate sponsors of House Bill 12. “By empowering law enforcement to intervene before a tragedy occurs in a more effective way, our red flag law prioritizes public safety and mental health, creating a safer environment for everyone.”
Confirmations:
- (34-0) the Appointment of JOHN V. WERTHEIM as Member of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents
- (35-0) the Appointment of KEANA RICHELLE HUERTA as Student Member of Western New Mexico University Board of Regents
- (37-0) the Appointment of JOSEPH DEAN REED as Member of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents
Additional Business Discussed:
- Senate Bill 278 – CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCREENING INSURANCE (Passes 24-15)
- Senate Bill 305 – QUALITY FOSTER PARENT TASK FORCE (Passes 34-2)
- Senate Bill 138 – NO CHOLESTROL-LOWERING DRUG COST SHARING (Passes 22-11)
- House Bill 357 – MI VIA WAIVER PGM. PROVIDER GROSS RECEIPTS (Passes 33-0)
- House Bill 233 – DIABETIC FOOT ULCER EQUIPMENT COVERAGE (Passes 33-0)
- House Bill 218 – TAX CHANGES (Passes 30-4)
- House Bill 197 – EXPAND “SILVER ALERT” DEFINITION (Passes 37-0)
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