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HB 78 |
Game Commission Habitat Management and Fees more
Summary: The Department of Game and Fish currently lacks the resources to actively fulfill its mandate to restore and maintain natural habitat for the benefit of wildlife and New Mexicans alike. House Bill 78 imposes a small fee on hunters and anglers that will be used by the Game Commission to restore, protect and maintain fish and wildlife habitat throughout the state.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2005 |
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HB 195 |
Create Strategic Water Reserve more
Summary: Our limited water supply is one of the greatest challenges facing the state. Intense competition for scarce water resources means that we are struggling to meet the requirements of the federal Endangered Species Act, as well as our obligations to deliver water to Texas. House Bill 195 creates the Strategic Water Reserve, which dedicates nearly $3 million this year to fund the acquisition of water rights for public benefit, specifically to help threatened and endangered species and to comply with New Mexico’s interstate stream compact obligations to Texas.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2005 |
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HB 805 |
Local Government Use of Impact Fees more
Summary: Impact fees are tools that local governments use to ensure that developers pay their way and don’t shift the majority of costs of new developments onto existing residents and taxpayers. These fees help pay for the infrastructure to support new development; without them, local governments wouldn’t have the resources to pay for adequate roads, drainage, parks or emergency facilities. House Bill 805 would have severely compromised the ability of local governments to use impact fees to provide infrastructure or ensure equity in sharing the cost burden of new development.
Outcome: Passed House, but defeated in the Senate.
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Oppose |
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2005 |
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HJM 24 |
Precautionary Principles in State Government more
Summary: The Precautionary Principle proposes that when an activity raises threats of harm, precautionary measures should be taken to protect human health and the environment, even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. House Joint Memorial 24 requested the Department of Health to establish a task force to develop a long-term plan to implement selected precautionary principles in departments of state government.
Outcome: Passed House, but defeated in the Senate.
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Support |
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2005 |
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SB 468 |
Acquire Land Near State Parks more
Summary: In the past, the need to get legislative approval for any additions or donations of land to state parks has prevented the Parks Division from acting swiftly and economically to expand New Mexico’s parks system. Senate Bill 468 allows the State Parks Division to acquire land adjacent to state parks without legislative approval, if the land will be incorporated into the park.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2005 |
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SB 644 |
Efficient Use of Energy Act more
Summary: The best way for New Mexico to control energy prices, increase energy security, reduce pollution and protect natural resources is to invest heavily in energy efficiency. Senate Bill 644 directs the Public Regulation Commission to require utilities to develop and implement energy efficiency programs. It also sets standards and policies for recouping expenditures by utilities and co-operatives for energy efficiency programs and investments.
Outcome: SB 644 passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2005 |
Air Quality