Governor Signs a Bunch - Vetoes a Few

Susana Martinez

SANTA FE - Governor Susana Martinez announced today that she has signed House Bill 310, legislation that provides electronic classroom materials to New Mexico’s schools. “New Mexico’s students deserve a world-class education along with the materials required to provide the best possible learning environment,” said Governor Martinez. “This legislation will give our children access to electronic materials that will enhance their educational experience and allow schools to use the best available technology in the classroom.” Governor Martinez also signed Senate Bill 432, prohibiting state and local government employees who are involved in the contracting process from subsequently being employed by that contractor. “New Mexicans deserve to know that their government is operating in the best interest of the taxpayer,” she continued. “Any situation in which an individual acts on behalf of the government to secure a contract and then goes to work for that contractor should raise significant red flags. This legislation will help to ensure that government employees who oversee the use of taxpayer dollars are not spending them for personal gain.” 

Children Families and Youth Building in Santa Fe

Additionally, the Governor signed three early childhood education initiatives - Senate Bill 120, the Early Childhood Care and Education Act; Senate Bill 167, dividing appropriations for pre-kindergarten education between the Public Education Department and the Children, Youth, and Families Department; and Senate Bill 605, expanding the number of providers eligible for pre-kindergarten services.

The Governor also vetoed House Bill 298, stating, “It is unacceptable to allow sex offenders to work as janitors, assistant coaches, and in other supervised positions around children without having to register their place of employment.” She has spoken to Attorney General Gary King, who shares her concerns about this legislation, and they are committed to working together to pass stronger sex offender registration legislation that brings New Mexico into compliance with the Adam Walsh Act in the next legislative session. Governor Martinez also signed the following legislation into law:

HB 123, Compensation for Parts Under Warranty

HB 170, Land Grant Trustee Election Changes

HB 187, Expanded-Function Dental Auxiliaries

HB 440, Advanced Energy Tax Deduction for Some Leases

HB 470, Underpayment of Estimate Tax Penalty Changes
HB 478, Water Utilities Payments in Advance
SB 036, Compensation for Parts Under Warranty
SB 037, Prescription Drug Donations
SB 041, Health Care Student Intern Liability Coverage
SB 101, Require Responses to Medical Board Subpoenas
SB 119, Retirement Beneficiary Designation of Spouse
SB 146, Update Uniform Acts Relating to Property
SB 155, Private Landfill Term of Permits
SB 198, Insurance Code Fees and Changes
SB 260, Fees in Dental Insurance Plans
SB 262, Construction Commission Inspector Authority
SB 285, Amend Child Placement Agency Licensing Act
SB 337, Precinct Consolidation for Certain Elections
SB 349, Allow Donations from Private Sources
SB 367, Local Govt Perm Fund, Additional Investment
SB 369, Public Records Provisions Reorganization
SB 377, Professional Psych Licensure Requirements

Education Building in Santa Fe

 SB 393, Insurance for Electronic Devices

SB 403, Election Code Language Standardization

SB 436, Oil and Gas Withholding Info to Legislature

Governor Martinez vetoed the following legislation:

HB 267, Amend Medical Malpractice Act

HB 298, Sex Offender Registration Requirements

HB 311, Uniform Consequences Conviction Act

HB 415, Invest in Small Budget New Mexico Films

SB 333, Amend Medical Malpractice Act

HB 343, Political Subdivision Qualifications to Tax

Governor Signs a Bunch - Vetoes a Few