1. RED FLAG BILL RUSHED TO FULL HOUSE AS SERIOUS LEGAL
QUESTIONS ARE RAISED
The Red Flag bill, SB5, cleared its only House committee on a party-line vote last night, 3-2, as progressive Democrats seemed insistent on plowing the controversial legislation through, allowing only 30 minutes of input per side for discussion and refusing to send the legislation to the Judiciary Committee where Republicans want it. There was plenty of confusion at the hearing and six amendments added to it.
This bill, which would allow authorities to take away firearms from people if they believe they are a threat to themselves or others, has had little serious discussion about Constitutional rights and other legal questions. It’s unfortunate that the left’s political game has taken the position of taking away the rights of law-abiding New Mexicans.
“Given the numerous changes to the SB 5, I cannot believe that the public truly understands what this bill intends to do. I am not sure the members of this House, at this point, are reading from the same version of the bill or analysis,” said Rep. Candy Ezzell (R)-Roswell. “I applaud our committee analysts and staff for having tried to uncomplicate the mess that has been created by fast-tracking this bill, but I do not believe that this committee fully vetted SB 5. We are dealing with people’s constitutional rights, and those rights are worth fighting for and worth the time to properly discuss the red-flag gun bill.”
“This bill disarms our brave law enforcement officers by removing their discretion to do their job,” said Rep. Gregg Schmedes (R)-Tijeras. “Progressive Democrats are pushing this legislation to weaken and litigate law enforcement agencies, endangering us all. I do not support the violation of law-abiding New Mexicans constitutional rights.”
The legislation moves to the full House.
CALL TO ACTION: Tell your House members that you oppose this bill and that it violates Due Process, your Constitutional rights and search and seizure practices. Contact the House Speaker, Brian Egolf: (505) 986-4782 brian.egolf@nmlegis.gov and the sponsors of the bill, Sen. Daymon Ely (505) 986-4432 daymon.ely@nmlegis.gov, Sen. Joseph Cervantes (505) 986-4861 Joseph@cervanteslawnm.com and Rep. Joy Garratt (505) 986-4249 joy.garratt@nmlegis.gov.
2. RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA TO BE ON COMMITTEE AGENDA TODAY
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hear SB115, the Cannabis Regulation Act, which would legalize recreational marijuana. The governor has touted this bill as a means to raise revenue and jolt the New Mexico economy. Not true. It’s unclear what the economic impact would be. Meantime, neighboring Colorado is facing all kinds of problems after legalizing it there.
Among the concerns are an increase in crime, underage use, driving impairment and black markets. Contact the Judiciary Committee members and say NO to legalizing recreational cannabis. Call the sponsors of SB115 and tell them NO to recreational pot. Gerald Ortiz y Pino (505) 986-4482, Javier Martínez (505) 986-4236 and Jacob Candelaria (505) 986-4380.
3. OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP ACT TO BE HEARD IN COMMITTEE
The Senate Education Committee will take up the “free college” bill or Opportunity Scholarship Act today. The proposed fund aims to provide tuition and other costs for students. The new program is already raising concerns about costs–from $35 million to $45 million–and where will the money come from? It seems left-leaning Democrats are forgetting that oil and gas revenues may eventually go down– and they will if these progressive Democrats continue to regulate and try to stop this vital industry.
ROUNDHOUSE PROFILES: WORKING HARD FOR YOU
Rep. Alonzo Baldonado is a real estate broker who lives in Los Lunas and represents Valencia County. He’s served in the House since 2011.
