House and Senate pass transport bill

The House and Senate unanimously approved identical bills over the weekend to reform state regulation of New Mexico taxis, shuttles, limos and moving companies.

Before either of the two bills can get to Gov. Susana Martinez’s desk, one must be approved by the other chamber, said Fred Nathan, executive director of Think New Mexico, one of the legislation’s key proponents. With just five days to go in the session, they could still get tangled in legislative morass, such as a filibuster in one or both chambers.

“Having two (identical) bills is sort of insurance against a last-minute filibuster that unintentionally kills it, but there are dozens of bills on both chamber floors, and you just never know,” Nathan said. “Still, we’re optimistic given the magnitude of these votes over the weekend.”

The Senate approved SB 328, sponsored by Sen. Phil Griego, D-San Jose, in a 35-0 vote on Saturday. The House voted 64-0 on Sunday to pass HB 194, co-sponsored by Rep. Carl Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, and Rep. Tom Taylor, R-Farmington.

Both bills are replicas of each other, but HB 194 likely has a better chance of getting to the governor, because it must now only pass through the Senate Judiciary Committee before heading to the Senate floor. In contrast, SB 328 must still be heard in both the House Transportation and Public Works Committee and in Consumer and Public Affairs.

“It’s all timing at the end, but I believe (HB 194) has a chance to get to the Senate floor as early as Wednesday or Thursday,” Rep. Trujillo said.

The bills would eliminate hurdles for new motor-carrier companies to enter local markets by ending requirements that they first show there’s a market need for a new taxi or moving service before the state Public Regulation Commission grants approval to operate. They would also deregulate rates, allowing companies to set their own prices and let market competition determine fares.

“Along with reducing the barriers to entry for new small businesses, this legislation will promote competition that should lower prices for consumers,” Nathan said. “It should also help the state develop more transportation services in underserved areas, like the 24 counties across New Mexico that have only one taxi company or no taxi service at all.”
— This article appeared on page B1 of the Albuquerque Journal