Legislative Overview
March 26, 2021 – The Line opinion panel discusses the slew of landmark bills that made it through New Mexico’s 60-day legislative session, including a constitutional amendment to allow the state to pull more money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood and K-12 education programs. Some bills that passed this year indicate the progressive tilt of the new legislative body, as medical aid-in-dying and the abortion ban were not favored by Republicans. The Line also looks at some legislation that didn’t pass, including legalizing recreational cannabis – an issue that’s set to be addressed in a March 30 special session.
Host: Gene Grant
The Line Opinion Panel:
Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal
Andy Lyman, reporter, New Mexico Political Report
Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus
For More Information:
Legislature 2021: What They Did – Albuquerque Journal
What Passed, What Didn’t During the Legislative Session – Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico Legislative Session Reshapes Education Spending – Associated Press
Lawmakers Send Aid-in-Dying Bill to Lujan Grisham – Albuquerque Journal
The 2021 Legislature Called ‘Historic’ and ‘Extraordinary’ by Reproductive Justice Advocates – NM Political Report
Paid Sick Leave Passes Senate After Lengthy, Acrimonious Debate Including a Filibuster – NM Political Report
Loan Interest Rate Cap Bill Falls Short of Finish Line – Albuquerque Journal
Logistics Being Discussed in Preparation of Special Session to Legalize Recreational Marijuana – KOB-TV
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This segment is part of our #YourNMGov project, in collaboration with KUNM radio. Support for public media provided by the Thornburg Foundation.