The 30-Day Legislative Session is fast approaching. The session is set by the Constitution of NM as a budget session. Only budget items and anything the Governor places on “the call” (Proclamation) may be considered germane to the session.
This will be the last regular session of the legislature for Governor Susanna Martinez. As is often the case when an administration is facing its last hurrah, there is legislation introduced to achieve goals set out by that administration. Governor Martinez, being a former prosecutor, is expected to place several crime bills on the call. In fact, several crime bills have been pre-filed in anticipation of the official reading of the proclamation.
We have also seen legislation introduced to increase the minimum wage, increase DWI penalties and a bill to allow an establishment within a main street district, arts and cultural district, enterprise zone or tax increment development district and who has a Restaurant (beer and wine) License to serve New Mexico spirits.
The state has about 200 million in new money so the state budget landscape is not as dire as it was last year. We may see the legislature err on the side of caution and try to restore some of our reserves.
As always NMRA will be up front and center at the legislature. Should you have any questions, comments or thoughts you wish to share with us, please feel free to email aklobby@gmail.com. We will be more than happy to address any of your concerns.
Happy New Session 2018!
