(SANTA FE, NM) – Today the New Mexico Senate convenedfor a regularly scheduled floor session. Business conducted today includes:
Honoring the Late Great Governor Bill Richardson (1947-2023)
Joined by former First Lady Barbara Richardson, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, former Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, and aides, the New Mexico Senate paused to recognize the contributions, service, and legacy of the late Governor Bill Richardson. The Senate Certificate of Condolence sponsored by Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) details the distinguished public service record led by Governor Richardson and thanks the Richardson family for their sacrifices on behalf of the state of New Mexico.
“There is no question that Bill was a man of big ideas who was not willing to go along with the status quo.” shared Senate Majority Floor leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe). “He’s someone who made his mark on New Mexico, this country, and frankly, the entire world with his international diplomacy.”
Bill Richardson was born in 1947 in Pasadena, California. He served as the inaugural U.S. Representative for New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District from 1983-1997. Richardson then served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1997-1998, then U.S. Secretary of Energy from 1998-2001, before serving two terms as Governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2011.
Richardson passed away at his home in Massachusetts in September 2023 at the age of 75. The Richardson Center continues to carry out vital diplomatic engagement in the spirit of Governor Richardson, and more information is available at https://www.reach.global/.
Creating the Nicotine Prevention Fund to Educate Youth (Sponsored by Senator Hickey)
Passing by a vote of 25-14, Senate Bill 20 raises the excise tax from 25% to 40% on e-cigarettes, vaping products, and nicotine pouches, to fund youth education programs. There is no change in the tax rate on cigarettes and cigars, and the legislation does not tax any products related to smoking cessation programs. The expected $6 million generated from this measure will be placed into the Nicotine Prevention Fund, to be used by the Department of Health and the Public Education Department to educate New Mexican youth on the dangers of nicotine.
“Why am I focusing on nicotine in particular? Nicotine is the gateway drug to addiction, particularly in youth and younger people who are still developing their neural pathways,” shared the Senate Bill 20 sponsor Senator Martin Hickey, MD (D-Albuquerque). “Passing this bill does one very important thing: the data shows that the higher the cost, the less the uptake.”
Updating State Asset Valuation and Transfer (Sponsored by Senator Wirth)
Senate Bill 274 raises monetary value thresholds over which approval by the State Board of Finance for dispositions of tangible property and real estate by certain state entities is required. Raising these approval thresholds will streamline the state’s property disposition processes by reducing the number of transactions requiring review and decreasing the time staff and board members spend on approvals. Senate Bill 274 passed the Senate Floor by a vote of 39-0 and heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Confirmations:
The New Mexico Senate confirmed the following appointments by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham:
- GARY JOHN TRIPP – Appointment as Member of the New Mexico Highlands University board of Regents (Confirmed 32-0)
- ELAINE LUNA – Appointment as Member of the New Mexico Highlands University board of Regents (Confirmed 32-0)
Additional Business Discussed:
- Senate Bill 18 – CRIME OF SWATTING (Passes 36-0)
- Senate Bill 180 – SELF-SERVICE STORAGE RENTAL CHANGES (Passes 26-16)
- Senate Bill 507 – FIREARM LICENSES & TRANSFERS (Passes 27-10)
