From crime to climate, New Mexico lawmakers seek solutions

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators are preparing to tap into an unprecedented windfall of state income to shore up resources for public education, policing, health care and climate regulation at a 30-day legislative session scheduled to start Tuesday.

Lawmakers will be forced to adapt their working conditions amid a resurgent coronavirus that has prompted new school closures. A blend of online and in-person deliberations are anticipated at the state Capitol, with proof of vaccination — and booster shots — required for members of the public to enter the state Capitol. Legislators are exempt from some requirements.

Gov. Michelle Lujan, a Democrat, will deliver her State of the State address while her reelection campaign for reelection. The state House, where Democrats have a 45-24 advantage over Republicans, also is up for election in November.

Many legislative proposals take aim at violence and urban crime and were stoked by outrage over a record-breaking year for homicides in Albuquerque in 2021. One initiative would roll back provisions of the state's pre-trial detention system to deny bail to more people accused of serious crimes.

“There is a massive amount of crime, a crisis in Albuquerque,” Democratic House Speaker Brian Egolf said in an interview. “It is caused by many different factors. That means we have to have multiple solutions. There's no one answer.”

Lujan Grisham's budget recommendations would set aside $100 million to help recruit, hire and retain law enforcement officers and staff across the state. A variety of enhanced sentences for gun-related crimes are also under consideration.

Democratic legislators are drafting legislation would expand access to voting, in coordination with Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse...