Lawmakers facing NOVEL CHALLENGES

New Mexico’s 60-day legislative session will get underway Tuesday at noon amid tight security due to warnings of possible domestic terrorism.

The session will also be conducted largely remotely, with lobbyists and members of the public barred from the Roundhouse because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But lawmakers are still expected to have a full agenda, including proposals dealing with recreational cannabis, New Mexico’s permanent funds and the governor’s emergency powers.

Look for a special section previewing the legislative session in The Sunday Journal.

Luis Trujillo, who works for the Senate Sergeant at Arms, gets tested Friday for COVID-19 by John Mayer, the assistant chief at the Tesuque Santa Fe County Fire Department, at the Roundhouse. Frequent testing of people who work at the Capitol is part of a broader strategy to successfully conduct the session during the pandemic.

EDDIE MOORE/JOURNAL The state Capitol has been fenced off as lawmakers prepare to open a 60-day session amid tight security.