JOINT STATEMENT: Senate and House Leaders Raise Concerns About Special Session Agenda

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, House and Senate Leadership shared deep concerns over a lack of consensus on Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s package of bills for the upcoming special session. 

House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Floor Leader Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque), Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), and Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) issued the following statement: 

“We share the Governor’s commitment to improving public safety and expanding access to behavioral healthcare and substance use treatment. However, we have repeatedly noted that our constitutional duty as a separate and co-equal branch of government is to fully consider the legislation that comes before us and the potential impact it may have on New Mexicans. 

In a series of public committee meetings over the last few months, lawmakers brought together law enforcement, behavioral healthcare providers, disability rights groups, community leaders, and other subject matter experts to consider the legislation proposed by the Executive.  

Unfortunately, after several weeks of these meetings, we still have deep and serious concerns that the legislation proposed for this special session would have unintended consequences on New Mexicans, especially for those most vulnerable, and their liberties. 

Lawmakers, along with community leaders and advocates, have repeatedly raised their voices about the potential problematic impact of the proposed legislation. 

While we think these policies are not ready for the special session, we can and will continue our work on these issues in the interim and in the upcoming 60-day legislative session that begins in January. ”

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