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Today at the Roundhouse
Four weeks in, and four-and-half more to go. We’re nearing the halfway point of the 60-day legislative session, and the growing list of bills waiting to be heard in committees or on the floors certainly reflects that. Here are a few things to watch out for on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Oil and gas: The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee has House Bill 259 listed first on its schedule. The measure would increase the daily civil penalty for violating the Oil and Gas Act from $2,500 to $10,000 and, in cases that threaten public health and safety, to $25,000. It would also increase drilling fees from $500 to $1,500.
Immigration: House Bill 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, is another attempt to stop New Mexico from entering into immigration detention contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an idea that’s failed several times in the past. The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee is scheduled to hear the bill in the afternoon.
Uranium: There are a few uranium bills set to be heard in the Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee, including about uranium disposal and a $2 million appropriation to the uranium mining reclamation fund.
Breaking bad ... habits: The New Mexico departments of transportation and tourism will be at the Capitol all day to tout the state’s anti-litter campaign, which features Bryan Cranston. It’s also Santo Domingo Day, Santa Fe County Day and New Mexico Homebuilders Association Day.
