CRIME-FIGHTING LEGISLATION ADVANCES
Today the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee worked way past dinner time, debating three crime bills. The Chamber was there, testifying in favor of the public safety measures, which all made it to their next committee assignment. Here’s how it shook out:
INCREASED PENALTY FOR SHOOTING THREATS
House Bill 31, sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Bernalillo), would increase the crime of making a shooting threat to a fourth-degree felony, the same as making a bomb threat. The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee voted to move the bill to the Judiciary Committee with a do pass without recommendation. In other words, punt.
Terri Cole, President and CEO of Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the measure:
“Madam Chair and Members of the Committee … HB 31 increases the penalty for making a shooting threat to the same level as making a bomb threat. That’s very sensible. While HB 31 applies across the board, I want to focus on the effects on our children when an act of violence is threatened. Nothing is more terrifying to a student, especially our youngest and most vulnerable. Making a threat is a very real form of violence and intimidation that can leave lasting emotional scars. For those that commit such crimes, a slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanor is not nearly enough of a consequence for perpetrating violence.
“In 2024, several schools in New Mexico received shooting threats, including schools in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Raton, Pojoaque, Rio Rancho and Eagle Nest. Every fake threat diverts resources away from genuine emergencies, putting entire communities at risk. According to an analysis by TDR Technology Solutions, the impact of fake threats nationwide is tremendous, costing upward of $500 million, including lost instructional time and mental health impacts. And, this doesn’t include the cost of emergency response. Nor does it include the cost of threats made outside our schools. All New Mexicans deserve to be protected against acts of violence. I would urge your support for HB 31.”
District Attorney Sam Bregman also rose in support of the bill, along with the police chief of Las Cruces. The N.M. Department of Justice and the Albuquerque Police Department served as expert witnesses in support of HB 31. The Law Offices of the Public Defender stood in opposition, taking the familiar position that increased penalties don’t deter crime. Deputy Attorney General James Grayson explained that in the case of juveniles, it is most likely that they will receive a delinquent act determination and be placed under appropriate supervision and receive treatment. Thus, they will not carry a felony conviction.
We will keep you posted when the bill is heard in the Judiciary Committee.
VEHICLE THEFT BILL PASSES WITH NO OPPOSITION
House Bill 50, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Borrego (D-Bernalillo), aims squarely at punishing repeat offenders by increasing penalties for multiple offenses. The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee endorsed the measure on a 6-0 vote, sending it along to the Judiciary Committee. Terri Cole, President and CEO of the Chamber, appeared in support:
“I appear before you today in support of HB 50, which seeks to increase the penalties for motor vehicle theft, especially for repeat offenders. According to a KOAT December 2024 news report:
“Car thefts continue to be an issue in New Mexico, with the state ranking fifth in the nation for vehicle thefts… Last year alone, over 10,000 vehicles were stolen across New Mexico, translating to a staggering rate of 534 thefts per 100,000 vehicles. This figure is 74% higher than the national average, highlighting a serious issue for car owners.”
“This kind of rampant, out-of-control crime is bad for our citizens and bad for our business climate. Undoubtedly, today you will hear claims from opponents that increased penalties don’t deter crime, rather it’s the swiftness of arrest and certainty of conviction. We agree that those two factors are very important. We don’t agree that increased penalties don’t work, especially for repeat offenders. The word will get out to the gangs and car-theft rings that if you get caught, you’re going to jail for quite some time. We think there’s every chance that tougher penalties coupled with swift and sure justice will work together to put the brakes on car theft in our state. We urge a yes vote on HB 50.”
There was virtually no opposition to the bill. Rather, it was endorsed by law enforcement from around the state and Second Judicial District Attorney Sam Bregman. Law enforcement made a very important point: Vehicle theft isn’t just a property crime. More times than not, stolen cars are used by hardened felons in the commission of other crimes. And, these felons are usually armed and very dangerous. Stopping auto theft helps counteract other crimes. We’re very pleased this bill moved forward, and we’ll be covering it every step of the way.
JUVENILE RECORDS BILL HEADS TO JUDICIARY
The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee voted 4-2 to approve HB 39, sending it along to the Judiciary Committee. HB 39, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Cates (D-Bernalillo and Sandoval) seeks to allow a small part of juvenile records to be accessed to determine eligibility to purchase a firearm as an adult. The only portion of information to be disclosed is whether there was a firearm used in the juvenile infraction.
Chamber President and CEO Terri Cole was on hand to support passage of this measure:
“Madam Chair and members of the committee, I stand today in support of HB 39. This bill, to me, is a very targeted action that we can take to help keep guns out of the hands of people with a record of violence involving guns. While New Mexico generally seals juvenile records, perhaps to help people get a fresh start when they’ve grown up some, there needs to be exceptions when the threat to our communities is so great from guns used by people with a violent past. In other words, the greater good demands that we take this kind of action.
“And, we are not talking about public disclosure of a past criminal record but rather disclosure to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of background checks prior to the purchase of a firearm. Sure, people with a criminal bent can obtain an illegal firearm, and this bill won’t stop that. There is other legislation aimed at that problem. But, this bill will stop some people with a history of gun violence from legally purchasing a weapon. And even if that turns out to be only one person that is blocked, then that’s one less person who could well inflict injury or death. Please vote yes on HB 39.”
Also in support were representatives of New Mexico Crusaders for Justice, a group whose members have lost children to murder. As one representative put it, “Every year, we blame the gun and take away accountability – without consequences all we have is chaos.” And the rate of juvenile gun violence certainly borders on chaos. Ben Baker from the Governor’s Office, serving as an expert witness, pointed out that statewide, every two out of three days a child is charged with a gun crime. The principal opponent to the legislation was the Law Office of the Public Defender.
We’ll be tracking this bill and lending our support as it hopefully moves all the way to the governor’s desk.

VOCAL OPPOSITION TO O&G PROTECTION ZONES
This morning the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee took public comment on House Bill 35, Oil and Gas Production: Children’s Health Protection Zones. (The bill was rolled over for a vote as the committee had not received the committee substitute.)
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce was there to testify in strong opposition to the bill, sponsored by Reps. Debra M. Sariñana (D-Bernalillo) and Joanne J. Ferrary (D-Doña Ana), which is a direct attack on the oil and gas industry by folks who do not live or work in the Permian or San Juan basins.
The Chamber’s executive vice president for policy and programs, D’Val Westphal, told the committee that:
“While the title of the bill shows the good intentions behind it, the fact remains that there are already local setbacks in place in the Permian and San Juan Basins in all producing municipalities and counties. These setbacks have been determined through the local ordinance processes that includes community feedback, and all oil and gas companies adhere to the ordinances. Oil and gas companies go through extensive environmental siting practices to determine where a well will be both safe and economical.
“And it is important to note that schools and communities in the basins have not requested additional setbacks – this legislation was devised outside of our oil-and-gas-producing communities.”
“The Chamber supports an all-of-the-above approach to energy and understands that we need a reliable bridge to make the Energy Transition Act work. New Mexico’s responsible oil and gas producers are at the heart of that, and HB 35 disregards all the checks and balances already in place that are integral to their operations.”
Joining the Chamber in vocal opposition were:
- Lifelong Carlsbad resident Eddie Rodriguez, who’s also a city councilor. He emphasized he was part of devising the stringent setbacks and permitting put in place after the 2004 CHI blowout. That oversight and regulation “is our duty I do not wish to relinquish to people sitting away from my home and my neighbors.”
- The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, which decried the one-size-fits-all approach of the bill.
- The Permian Basin Petroleum Association, which called HB 35 a de-facto land seizure without compensation that ignores all the environmental strides the industry has made.
- The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, which represents 180 companies. They laid out the extensive regulations and permits required to site and operate a well and that vehicles pose a greater pollution threat.
- The New Mexico Business Coalition, which pointed out the bill simply restricts production without protecting children’s health.
- Jason Burns of the Eddy County Public Works Department, who said the issues HB 35 is attempting to address are “a local concern” and this should be done at the local, not state level.
House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources meets again Tuesday. Should it pass HB 35, it heads on to the Health and Human Services Committee, with House Judiciary its final committee stop in that chamber. We’ll be there to let you know what happens with HB 35.

BROAD, VAGUE ‘PUBLIC HEALTH’ BILL MOVES ON
In yet another attack on the oil and gas industry this morning, the House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee met to revisit House Bill 34, EMNRD Mandate to Protect Public Health & Environment, sponsored by Rep. Debra Sariñana (D-Bernalillo).
Testimony was taken Tuesday, but the vote was rolled over because committee members had not received the substitute bill, which the sponsor explained cleaned up language.
This morning they voted 6-3 to move it on to House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources.
HB 34 bill broadly mandates the Oil Conservation Division to do the “protecting.” The Chamber opposed the bill, along with the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Occidental Petroleum.
J.D. Bullington opposed the bill on behalf of the Chamber:
“This bill is obviously well-intentioned; however, the GACC believes this bill expands the responsibilities of the Oil Conservation Division in a manner that is too broad and too vague. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of a definition of what, exactly, the OCD will be charged with regarding the protection of ‘public health’ or the ‘environment.’ That ambiguity subjects the division to unrealistic demands, likely unfunded mandates and potential litigation when the division does not deliver on matters that are vaguely implied but not clearly spelled out. The GACC also believes HB 34 unnecessarily duplicates work already being done by the Air Quality Bureau and the New Mexico Department of Environment.
“Chamber members of course want clean air and water and the environment protected for generations to come. But the GACC favors clearly defined regulations that provide specific guidance, instead of the approach being taken with HB 34.”
We’ll be back in House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources to oppose HB 34.
INTRODUCING NEW LEGISLATORS
HOUSE
District 58: Angelita Mejia, R-Chaves
Republican Angelita Mejia will represent District 58, which encompasses the southern portion of Chaves County, including part of Roswell and the towns of Dexter and Hagerman. She was unopposed in the primary and general elections and replaces Candy Spence Ezzell, who was elected to the Senate.
- Mejia is a former field representative for former U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce. She handled immigration issues.
- She is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico.
- She now owns her own business, and her husband works in the oil and gas industry.
- Mejia has resided in the district for more than 30 years.
District 62: Elaine Sena Cortez, R-Lea
Republican Elaine Sena Cortez will represent District 62, which lies in Lea County, anchored by the city of Hobbs. She won her primary, was unopposed in the general election and replaces Larry Scott, who was elected to the Senate.
- Sena Cortez holds a doctorate in business administration from the University of the Southwest and is a professor both there and at Eastern New Mexico University. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of the Southwest
- She owns her own consulting business.
- Sena Cortez is the daughter of two pastors who founded a nondenominational church, King’s Gate, in Hobbs. She has served as a teacher, missionary and supporter of numerous community organizations, several of which focus on the needs of young women.
SENATE
District 28: Gabriel Ramos, R-Grant, Hidalgo & Luna
Republican Gabriel Ramos, a businessman and former state senator, will represent District 28, redrawn to now include parts of Hidalgo, Grant and Luna counties. He had no opponent in the primary and won the general election to replace Democratic Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill, who did not seek re-election.
- Ramos graduated from Western New Mexico University with a degree in business and public administration and joined the New Mexico Army National Guard at age 17.
- He worked the mines in Hurley; started Hurricane Car Wash; and owned a business specializing in satellite, internet and home security.
- Ramos was elected Grant County Clerk at age 25 and has been elected/served on the Town Council, the Cobre School Board and the Grant County Board of Commissioners. In 2019, he was appointed to the New Mexico State Senate to represent this district and served until 2020.
District 30: Angel Charley, D-Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley, Socorro & Valencia
Democrat Angel Charley, the executive director of Illuminative, a national organization that works to uplift the voices and representation of Native people throughout the country, will represent District 30, which now includes parts of Cibola, McKinley, Catron, Socorro, Valencia and Bernalillo counties. She defeated former Democratic state Sen. Clemente Sanchez in the 2024 primary election and faced no GOP opposition in the general election. She replaces Republican Sen. Joshua Sanchez, who will now represent District 29.
- Charley is the former executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women.
- She grew up in the village of Old Laguna, her mother is from Pueblo Pintado on the Navajo Nation, and she lives with her husband and children in the Pueblo of Acoma.
- Charley has served on the New Mexico State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force, as secretary for the Laguna Federation of Democratic Women and is a board member for the Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).
AROUND THE ROUNDHOUSE

Delegation members share accomplishments
U. S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez addressed a joint session of the Legislature today, providing an update on their efforts in Congress and what they’re most concerned about.
Stansbury reported these items as her major legislative accomplishments:
- Delivered millions for state and local police to tackle crime and the opioid epidemic.
- Invested in behavioral health systems and addiction recovery.
- Built new fire stations in rural communities to enhance public safety.
- Secured funding for health care clinics, housing programs and food pantries.
- Passed the largest expansion in veterans benefits in decades with the PACT Act.
- Passed the largest infrastructure bill in American history.
- Supported New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education Fund and rebuilt schools across the state.
- Passed the largest climate bill in history, investing in clean energy and water infrastructure.
- Worked to restore the Rio Grande and protect water rights for tribal and Pueblo nations.
Vasquez reported these results of his service in the U S House:
- Secured significant grants for infrastructure improvements.
- $61.8 million for Las Cruces for affordable housing and road improvements.
- $36.1 million for road conditions in Carlsbad, benefiting oil and gas workers.
- Collaborated with Secretary Pete Buttigieg to secure $63 million for commercial vehicle charging stations in Vado and Lordsburg.
Community Investments: - $500,000 for Lordsburg Community Center to enhance recreational facilities.
- $300,000 for Hatch food pantry modernization to address food insecurity.
- Addressing root causes of crime such as poverty, addiction and lack of opportunity.
- Secured funding for behavioral health infrastructure and law enforcement resources.
- $500,000 for a mobile command center in Luna County.
- Support for Albuquerque’s crime center and State Police communication upgrades.
- Advocated for the Bipartisan Invest to Protect Act to support small and rural police departments.
It is customary for each member of our Congressional delegation to address the Legislature in a 60-day session. We expect that will hear from others as they can make themselves available.

And so, what have you done for us lately?
More anti-oil and gas industry legislation was considered today. Guess some are missing the facts about what this industry contributes to our state.

Watching the clock
A serious discussion dominated much of this afternoon’s Senate floor session. But they weren’t fighting about a bill, or ideology, or even funding. They were fighting about rules.
Sen. Bill Sharer (R-San Juan), the Senate Republican Minority Floor Leader, started the exchange as the Chamber was approving a committee report for a pair of incredibly complicated and wide-ranging bills that change how we manage water in New Mexico. Sharer and other members of the minority are frustrated with rules in various committees that limit both how long they can hear public comment, and how long Senators themselves are allowed to speak and question witnesses.
“…the committees are where you really get to ask questions and you really get to dig deep and find out what things are. And if we limit debate, we’re not allowing the members, thus not allowing the public, to know what’s in these bills,” said Sharer.
Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) defended the process, saying that the Conservation Committee Chair, Sen. Liz Stefanics, did a good job of allowing plenty of discussion while simultaneously keeping the discussion moving.
The resolution, at least today, is that leaders from both parties will meet to review the various rules used to conduct business in the Senate to find a compromise.

MESA DAY
Reps. Anita Gonzales (D-San Miguel & Torrance) and Gail Armstrong (R-Catron, Sierra, Socorro & Valencia) co-sponsored House Memorial 6, praising the MESA program in New Mexico. MESA stands for Math, Engineering and Science Achievement. The goal of the non-profit program is to work with schools to enrich learning by pre-college students, leading to higher levels of achievement. Currently, MESA is in 110 New Mexico schools, providing tutoring, advanced study, college and career counseling, academic competition, leadership workshops, summer programs scholarship incentives, community service opportunities and teacher professional development.

SBDC DAY
Rep. Joshua Hernandez (R-Sandoval) sponsored a memorial lauding the work of SBDC, or Small Business Development Centers, (part of the Small Business Administration) that provide small business counseling and training throughout the state. SBDC has been part of creating 40,000 jobs and helping 10,000 businesses.

BORDER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DAY
One of the real economic success stories in New Mexico is the development of the port of entry in Santa Teresa. Rep. Raymundo Lara (D-Doña Ana) pointed out that the economic value in trade has grown to $6.9 billion. This represents 69% of all exports in the state, generating 2,000 jobs and $47 million in state and local revenue. It also provides a point of entry for the world’s largest gummy bear manufacturing facility just over the border in Mexico. Lara noted the benefit to both countries.
SIGNING OFF FROM SANTA FE
Today’s actions on public safety measures clearing their first committee in the House is enough to make you want to do a little dance. It’s great to see this progress, and let’s hope this signals swift sailing for these measures all the way to the governor’s desk. On a less cheerful note, beating up the goose that lays the golden egg – our oil and gas industry – continues (sigh). The House is taking the day off tomorrow, but there’ll be plenty of committee meetings. The Senate will be in session at 11 a.m., and there will also be committee meetings. Thanks for joining us today, and we’ll be seeing you tomorrow with all the news and views. Until then, have a great evening.