- Criminal DefenseSenator Sander Rue (R-Albq.) and I are the sponsors. Senator Linda Lopez (D-Albq.) and Senator Bill Payne (R-Albq.) have signed on as co-sponsors. The Joint Resolution is supported by the NM District Attorneys' Association, the NM Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association, the Courts, the NM ACLU, the NM Domestic Violence Coalition and the Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the NM Association of Counties. It will be opposed by the bail industry.
- DUI/DWIWas the budget compromise crafted during the special session perfect? Absolutely not. I had real problems voting to increase the gross receipts tax on any items, including food, given how regressive this tax is and the high rates which already exist in our communities. Loopholes giving multi-state corporations unfair tax advantages should have been closed and those individuals who benefitted most during our boom years should have contributed more. With yet another string of DWI tragedies in northern New Mexico, it is hard to argue against increasing the liquor excise tax.
- FraudSecurities Act Repeal and Reenactment (SB 362): Increases penalties for securities fraud against seniors and gives the New Mexico Securities Division additional enforcement authority to prosecute.
- Eminent DomainSome of the bills I carried this session did not pass out of our Senate committees. Senate Bill 100 added protections to property owners in eminent domain cases. Senate Bill 331 would have put much needed interest rate caps on installment loans. Senate Bill 361 sought to expand the regulatory oversight of the Oil Conservation Division to balance new oil and gas drilling with public health, environmental and wildlife concerns. Senate Bills 389 and 648 could have closed corporate tax loopholes allowing multistate companies to pay less tax than their New Mexico competitors. I will continue to work in future sessions on these important issues.
- Estate PlanningCodifies case law on powers of appointment used in estate planning and updates non-uniform provisions in our probate code. It passed both chambers unanimously and awaits signature on the Governor's desk.