Roundhouse Roundup: What's Happening In The Legislature

The First Session of the 55th Legislature

Monday, February 1, 2021

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER SNEAKS IN CHILD SEX CRIME LEGISLATION WEAKENING PENALTIES IN FISH AND WILDLIFE BILL!

Here's one in the "I can't believe this is happening" category.

Check out HB 140. It's a fish and wildlife bill pertianing to penalties. Then, in Section 2, the sponsor(s) have the nerve to sneak in legislation that lessens penalties for child sex crimes! This is disgraceful, deceitful and tries to dupe the public. It's a hidden bill. This bill favor sex predators and provides fewer protections and rights for young sex crime victims.

"This is a despicable bill on many levels," says Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. "First, the mere fact that Speaker Egolf allowed it to be introduced, knowing that it hides language so offensive to the public, is an absolute disgrace. Not only is this a hidden bill, but with the Roundhouse closed to the public, it’s a deliberate move that will ram such legislation down our throats without any public input. This bill favors sex predators by lessening penalties. As we face horrible crimes (Victoria Martens comes to mind) this bill makes sexual crimes against children even more difficult to prosecute. Democrat Karen Bash should be ashamed of herself. More children will become victims and more sex offenders freed. This legislative atrocity takes away from the life and rights of a child, and is, in essence, spiritual murder. What makes this bill even more horrific is that it’s disguised inside a fish and wildlife bill! You have to read deep into the bill to see this sudden change in language. It’s deceitful and sneaky. This is shameful and a horrible way to dupe and endanger New Mexican citizens and our children."

CALL TO ACTION: Contact Speaker Egolf and bill sponsor Rep. Bash:

Speaker Egolf:

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4782
Office Phone: (505) 986-4782
Email: [email protected]

Representative Bash:

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4236
Home Phone: (505) 238-2117
Email: [email protected]

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER PUSHES BILL TO LEGALIZE RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA IN NEW MEXICO

Today Democrat Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto introcued SB 13, which would legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The legislation would enact the Cannabis Regulation Act and the Cannabis Tax Act. It's the first such bill during this year's 60-day legislative session. The bill was referred to the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee, as well as the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill raises real concerns. Recreational pot would likely create a black market, get into the hands of children and would lead to driver impairment. Not a good idea. Legislation to legalize cannabis for recreational use failed to pass in the 2020 legislative session.

SOCIAL SECURITY TAX EXEMPTION BILL HEADED TO COMMITTEE TOMORROW

Tomorrow at 1:30pm members of the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee (HVLMC) will take up a HB 49 designed to relieve some of the financial burden on senior citizens. The Committee will debate legislation aimed at exempting social security earnings from New Mexico income tax. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-Socorro), Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R-Carlsbad), and Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-TorC). Passage of the bill would align New Mexico with the 37 other states in the nation that do not tax social security benefits.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87367059610

2021 ROUNDHOUSE PROFILES: WORKING HARD FOR YOU

SEN. STEVEN NEVILLE

Sen. Neville is a real estate appraiser who lives in Aztec. He serves San Juan County and has been a Senator since 2005. Committees: Education and Conservation. You can email Sen. Neville at: [email protected]

REP. RACHEL BLACK

Rep. Rachel Black serves Otero County and has been in the legislature since 2019. She is a member of the Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs and Labor, Veterans' & Military Affairs Committees. Rep. Black's email: [email protected]

CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE NEW MEXICO SENATE AND HOUSE REPUBLICANS FACEBOOK PAGES

To go to the NM Senate Republicans Facebook page, click here.

To go to the NM House Republicans Facebook page, click here.

DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, YOU WILL RECEIVE REGULAR UPDATES ON KEY BILLS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS AT THE ROUNDHOUSE

LISTEN TO CHAIRMAN PEARCE'S PODCAST

Be sure to catch Inside New Mexico with Steve Pearce each week on your favorite podcast platform. You can subscribe to listen and be notified when a new episode is available.

Republican Party of New Mexico

5150 San Francisco Rd NE # A

Albuquerque, NM 87109-4640

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.