Not even remotely like normal
60-day session tackles weighty issues with new members, new look
The 2021 New Mexico legislative session will be unlike any previous session in state history. Due to health concerns posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the 60-day session will be conducted largely remotely, with lobbyists and members of the public barred from entering the Roundhouse and many legislators debating and casting votes from off-site locations.
While leading lawmakers say New Mexicans will still be allowed to participate in committee hearings via online technology, the usual clamor and bustle of the Roundhouse will be replaced by an eerie quiet.
But that’s not to say there are not important issues at stake.
Legalizing recreational cannabis for adult users, tapping New Mexico’s largest permanent fund to expand early childhood programs and possible changes to the state’s emergency powers laws are among the weighty topics expected to be debated.
There’s also the task of approving a new balanced budget for the fiscal year that starts in July.
Lawmakers had to trim back spending levels last year due to a decline in state revenue, but revenue collections are expected to rebound to nearly $7.4 billion in the coming year — or roughly $169 million more than current spending levels.
In all, about 20% of the Legislature will be new members, as 23 of the 112 legislative seats — 12 in the House and 11 in the Senate — will be held by a new occupant from last year.
Democrats will retain hefty majorities in both legislative chambers, with a 45-25 advantage in the House and a 27-15 edge in the Senate.
There will also be new faces in some key leadership positions, especially in the Senate.
Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, was nominated by her caucus to serve as the new Senate President Pro Tem and, if confirmed by the full Senate once the session starts, would play a key role in determining committee assignments.
Several influential Senate committees will also need new chairmen — or chairwomen — after incumbents were ousted in last year’s elections.
Meanwhile, this year will mark Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s third regular session as governor, though the first-term Democrat called two special sessions last year to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
My colleagues and I hope you will follow our legislative coverage this year through the newspaper, social media and at our website — abqjournal.com/legislature.