(SANTA FE, NM) – Moving into the final two weeks of the legislative session, the New Mexico convened for a Saturday floor session. Business conducted today includes:
Accelerating New Mexico’s Economic Development Readiness
By a vote of 37-2 the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 169 sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque). This legislation accelerates economic growth and comprehensive planning by supporting infrastructure improvements to potential sites under the guidance of an advisory committee. Similar site readiness initiatives set forth in Senate Bill 169 exist in 27 states across the nation.
“This legislation will demonstrate, in a big way, that New Mexico is open for business,” said Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque) upon the passage of SB 169.
Streamlining Activation of Search & Rescue Emergency Responses
Answering the calls by local search and rescue organizations across New Mexico, the New Mexico State Senate passed Senate Bill 353 by a vote of 31-3, which streamlines the process to activate search and rescue assets when they are needed. Sponsored by Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) and Senator Shannon Pinto (D- Tohatchi), SB 353 ensures prompt notification to the Department of Public Safety to active State Search and Rescue resources immediately, increasing the chances of successfully finding missing persons alive. Under current state law, local search and rescue organizations must wait for an official activation notice and case number from the New Mexico State Police, wasting the crucial initial hours after authorities received the first sign of distress.
“New Mexico is home to the most beautiful sites, but that can come with dangerous terrain or other unexpected hazards,” said SB 353 sponsor Senator Jeff Steinborn. “This bill is a straightforward fix that will make sure that if disaster strikes when you’re out and about, not a single minute is wasted to get the people and resources to where they are needed.”
Protecting New Mexico Homes and Communities from Natural Disaster
The New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 81 by a vote of 34-1. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), SB 81 aims to expand and enhance the New Mexico FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan, providing essential property insurance for individuals and businesses who struggle to secure coverage in the open market due to high-risk areas like those affected by wildfires. This legislation addresses the urgent need for increased property insurance coverage in the state, especially in light of recent natural disasters.
“With devastating wildfires and the increasing costs of rebuilding, it’s imperative that we modernize the protections available to New Mexicans living in high-risk areas,” said Senate Majority Leader Wirth (D-Santa Fe). “The passage of this bill represents a critical step in ensuring that our residents and businesses have access to adequate coverage when they need it most.”
Bridging Support for Nontraditional Students
Passing by a vote of 36-0, Senate Bill 480 would increase awareness about educational opportunities for individuals who have not graduated from high school within four years of entering 9th grade. The bill requires the Public Education Department to create a directory to be provided upon request for education providers to support those individuals in attaining a high school diploma, high school equivalency credential or workforce credentials.
“I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to make sure students and families from nontraditional backgrounds are aware that specialized services are available to them,” said Senate Bill 480 sponsor Senator Cindy Nava (D-Albuquerque). “Senate Bill 480 makes clear it’s never too late to chase and achieve your academic goals, and the state of New Mexico is here to help every step of the way.”
“We all know that education has a huge impact on cycles of poverty. This bill will open up doors for our youth, and this will be another tool in New Mexico’s toolbox to empower our next generation to greatness,” said Senate Bill 480 co-sponsor Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe).
Additional Business Discussed:
- Senate Bill 39 – ADD CLASSES TO PRIOR AUTHORIZATION DRUGS (Passes 34-0)
- Senate Bill 252 – SOCIAL WORK TELEHEALTH SERVICES (Passes 34-0)
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