Legislative Roundup: 17 Days Left In 2021 Session
SFNM
COVID-19 case detected at the Roundhouse: Another COVID-19 case has emerged at the Roundhouse the first time since five cases were detected near the onset of the legislative session more than a month ago.
Raul Búrciaga, director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service, reported Tuesday that one positive test result was reported among the 66 people tested Monday.
Contact tracing was initiated as a result of the case, Burciaga wrote in an email. “Two individuals are in quarantine,” he wrote. “Deep cleaning was conducted in the area of the infected individual.”
In discussions with the state Department of Health, “the appropriate measures have been taken,” Burciaga wrote. He said he could not disclose whether the positive case or the individuals in quarantine involved legislators or staff members.
Gov. Lujan Grisham Applauds Economic Security Measures - 12:02 pm
Downtown Las Vegas, N.M. The New Mexico Economic Development Department mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. Courtesy/NMEDD
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes applaud key legislative initiatives that will grow the economy, create jobs, and provide for a new layer of economic security for New Mexico families and businesses.
The stimulus and relief measures are significant in reach, tackling all aspects of the pandemic-related economic emergency, including direct assistance to front-line workers, grants for small businesses, innovative licensing reforms, local purchasing initiatives, and long-term investments in early childhood education.
February 26, 2021
Called historic, New Mexico decriminalized abortion on Friday when Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Respect New Mexico Women and Families Act into law, after years of efforts by abortion rights supporters.
SB 10 repeals the 1969 statute that criminalized abortion by banning it with very few exceptions.
Lujan Grisham said “a woman has the right to make decisions about her own body.”
“Anyone who seeks to violate bodily integrity, or to criminalize womanhood, is in the business of dehumanization,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “New Mexico is not in that business – not any more. Our state statutes now reflect this inviolable recognition of humanity and dignity. I am incredibly grateful to the tireless advocates and legislators who fought through relentless misinformation and fear-mongering to make this day a reality. Equality for all, equal justice and equal treatment – that’s the standard. And I’m proud to lead a state that today move
By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
New Mexico is revising its color-coded risk system by adding a new color that signifies when counties can ease even more pandemic-related restrictions.
The red-yellow-green system now includes turquoise. State health officials said Wednesday that counties reach that category by meeting certain health criteria for four consecutive weeks.
It allows for expanded indoor dining and the operation of entertainment venues like theaters, bars and clubs. All but four of the state s 33 counties already have seen test positivity and new case rates decline and have emerged from the strictest lockdowns earning favorable yellow, green and now turquoise ratings on the color-coded map.
New Mexico Adds Least-Restrictive COVID-19 Tier - By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press New Mexico is revising its color-coded risk system by adding a