Day 46, Friday, March 3, 2023
A bill that would cap medical malpractice payouts at $750,000 has been tabled. The argument for the cap was that independent medical providers will not survive a major lawsuit and the cap would draw out-of-state doctors to New Mexico. The argument against the bill was that some medical injuries would require a great amount of compensation.
A bill to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all school children has advanced. The SB 4 is budgeted at $30 million. The perpetual argument for the bill is that children can’t learn when they are hungry. The counter argument is the continued expansion of the role government plays in our society.
Albuquerque is plagued with carjackings. The thief is the highest in the nation. A bill to increase penalties for repeat carjackers was tabled along a party lines vote, leading Representative Block to call the vote a “clown show.”