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Today at the Roundhouse, Feb. 26
It’s almost March, and legislators are entering a decisive stretch of this year’s 60-day legislative session. Here are a few things to watch out for on Wednesday, Feb. 26:
Border security: A proposal to create a new state office of border security is scheduled for its first hearing in the Senate Rules Committee. The bill, Senate Bill 257, would authorize a total of $6 million for the new office, which would be tasked with working with the federal government and local governments to expedite construction of a border fence.
Up in smoke? The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear a presentation from Todd Stevens, the director of the state’s Cannabis Control Division, about marijuana enforcement in New Mexico. The committee could also debate a bill, Senate Bill 152, allowing county commissioners to approve a two-year pause in the issuance of new cannabis producer licenses within the county.
Felons voting: New Mexico voters would be able to decide whether to scrap a constitutional prohibition barring individuals with a felony conviction from voting, under a proposal up for debate in the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee. Former inmates can vote under a 2023 state law, but the proposed change, House Joint Resolution 10, would also extend the ability to vote to certain incarcerated individuals.
Behavioral health: It’s Behavioral Health Day at the Roundhouse, and the state’s Behavioral Health Planning Council will hold a celebration in the Capitol rotunda from 9 to 11 a.m.
