Almond ‘milk’? Nuts, senators say
Two Republican state senators’ quest to fix what they claim is misbranding of milk is off to a frothy start at the Roundhouse.
The bill, which targets soy milk, almond milk and other nondairy products, stalled in its first Senate committee Tuesday after practical concerns were raised.
It could be brought back in a revised form, but in its original form would only allow products obtained by the “complete milking of one or more healthy mammals” to be labeled as milk.
Critics say such a move would be unprecedented nationally and would represent an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights.
The bill, Senate Bill 161, is sponsored by Sens. Cliff Pirtle of Roswell and Pat Woods of Broadview. Both work as farmers. — Dan Boyd, dboyd@abqjournal.com
HATE CRIMES: It doesn’t look like the Legislature is ready to add police and firefighters to the list of groups protected under the state Hate Crimes Act.
A proposal to do so failed on a 3-2 vote along party lines in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.
Democrats said that state law already provides enhanced penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and that the Hate Crimes Act isn’t the right place to address the topic.
Republicans and other supporters, meanwhile, said passage of the bill would send a message that the community supports officers, especially as they face acts of violence or hostility simply because of the uniform they wear.
House Minority Leader Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, sponsored the bill. — Dan McKay, dmckay@abqjournal.com
TAX RETURNS: A proposal to require presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns to secure a spot on the ballot didn’t fare well Tuesday.
A motion to recommend passage of the measure failed on a 3-3 vote after Democratic Rep. Debbie Rodella of Española crossed party lines to join Republicans in opposing the bill.
Opponents said it wasn’t fair to single out the presidential ticket — rather than, say, candidates for governor or secretary of state — for disclosure of past tax returns.
They also suggested it would prevent voters from being able to cast a ballot for the candidate of their choice, especially in the case of President Donald Trump, who broke with tradition and refused to release his tax returns.
Rep. Georgene Louis, D-Albuquerque, a co-sponsor House Bill 204, said New Mexico voters deserve to see presidential candidates’ business relationships and other potential conflicts. And statewide elected offices, she said, are already subject to state laws on financial disclosure.
The idea still has a glimmer of hope, as a similar bill, sponsored by Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, is pending in the Senate. — Dan McKay, dmckay@abqjournal.com