Legislators are preparing for the final week of the legislative session. A large number of measures will be debated on the House and Senate floors, but a few bills still have committee hearings set. Included is a measure to reestablish the state’s Sports Authority.
The New Mexico Sports Authority would be reestablished under Senate Bill 389. It was formerly an active division inside the state’s Department of Tourism.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Antonio Maestas (D-Albuquerque), would reinstate the distinction. The division’s objective would be to create strategies for statewide sports recruiting and events. In addition, the measure would require the division to conduct an inventory of the state’s current sports facilities.
The measure is expected to be discussed in the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. For further information on the concept,
How the last week will unfold
The 2023 regular legislative session concludes at 12:00 on March 18. But before that deadline arrives, legislators must complete several significant duties.
This year, not every legislation proposed will reach the Governor’s desk. Yet, legislators will undoubtedly exert great effort to pass crucial legislation before Saturday.
Key themes include the state budget, state capital expenditures, and tax reforms. The majority of the final week will likely be spent discussing these issues.
In case you missed it: corridors for wildlife
Recent legislative proposals include money for “wildlife corridors.” The goal is to reduce traffic accidents involving huge animals.
Between 2009 and 2018, there were more than 2,500 collisions with deer in the state, according to a plan of action study. The purpose of Senate Bill 72 is to investigate and create protections for both drivers and animals.