| 1. With 117 murders in Albuquerque last year, Legislators came to Santa Fe with a “Tough on Crime” mentality. Ironically the bill that passed the Senate yesterday takes the state in the opposite direction. Senate Bill 43, called the “Second Chance” bill passed the Senate along a party-line vote. The bill replaces a life sentence for youthful offenders with parole eligibility after 15 years with a follow-up parole opportunity at 5 years or sooner. Republicans offer a number of amendments including the killing of a police officer. The Democrat-controlled Senate would not accept any amendments and sent the bill to the House. 2. The Hydrogen Hub Bill is the bill that never dies. A third “baby hydrogen bill” has been introduced by the same sponsor, Patty Lundstrom from Gallup. 3. Senate Bill 67, the EXPAND SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CLINICS, received a “Due Pass” from the Senate Health and Public Affairs committee last week and is the Senate Finance Committee. As of this morning, it has not been scheduled for a hearing. The bill would allow for medical service to minors including pre-natal and abortive services without requiring parental consent. 4. Senate Bill 132, the bill that would lower Pay Day loan interest rates from 175% to 36% will be heard today in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. To watch the proceeding go the New Mexico State Legislature website, (nmlegis.gov) click on WEBCAST in the upper taskbar, and search for the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. Committee Generally, committee meetings are before or a half-hour after the floor session ends. New Mexico Watchmanwww.nmwatchman.com |
| New Mexico Watchman nmwatchman.com |
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