Email
Journal Staff and Wire Reports
Ban on Animal-Killing Contests Proposed
A Las Cruces lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit animal-killing contests, such as a recent coyote hunt organized by a Los Lunas gun shop that sparked an outcry of protests and petitions.
The legislation, House Bill 316, would levy fines on individuals convicted of organizing or participating in such contests. The fine for a first-time violation for a participant could be as much as $1,000.
Rep. Nate Cote, a Democrat, is sponsoring the legislation, which is supported by the Albuquerque-based Animal Protection Voters.
The bill has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but no hearing had been scheduled as of Wednesday.
Genetically Modified Food Labels Sought
Call it a genetically modified food fight.
The state Senate erupted on Wednesday over legislation requiring that genetically engineered food be labeled as such before it’s sold in New Mexico.
The bill sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, cleared the Democratic-controlled Senate Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday night over Republican objections — and after a contentious hearing.
But when the committee action was reported to the Senate floor on Wednesday, Republicans — and a few Democrats — used a procedural move to get it rerouted to a committee that’s presumed to be unfriendly.
Senate Bill 18 goes next to the Corporations Committee. That panel’s Democratic chairman and vice chairman, along with two other Democratic members, voted against the bill on the floor during Wednesday’s fight.
Tougher Penalties For Human Trafficking
Legislation supported by Gov. Susana Martinez and Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry would toughen New Mexico’s laws against human trafficking.
House Bill 121, sponsored by Reps. Monica Youngblood, R-Albuquerque, and Tim Lewis, R-Rio Rancho, would require people convicted of human trafficking to register as sex offenders when trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation.
Other provisions would make penalties for human trafficking more severe.
— This article appeared on page A6 of the Albuquerque Journal
