Kevin Hendricks, nm.news

By Nicole Maxwell A bill seeking to add a tax exemption for tipped workers was introduced in the Senate last week. SB 285 would exempt tips from state income tax. One of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Jay Block , R-Rio Rancho, told NM Political Report it’s a “common sense” bill and “good for the people in New Mexico […]

By Nicole Maxwell Journalism, a constitutionally protected profession enshrined in the First Amendment, is the subject of a proposed law update. HB 153 would prohibit state agencies from coercing a journalist to reveal their sources, communications or documents related to their work. “[HB 153] updates and strengthens protections for journalists and mediums of communication by defining […]

By Nicole Maxwell A Senate bill that would reimburse some legislators for out-of-state legislative business is working its way through the Roundhouse this session. Legislators not seeking re-election or who lost their primary but are still in office would qualify for the reimbursement under SB 135, sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe. Senate […]

By Susan Morée A bill that would provide state oversight of private equity firm purchases of hospitals passed its first committee along party lines, without a recommendation.   SB 14, the Healthcare Consolidation and Transparency Act, sponsored by Sen. Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque, would create a review process triggered by the purchase of a hospital. Duhigg narrowed […]

Submitted by Dominique DuPont As a mother whose first-born daughter lives with a severe brain injury due to medical negligence, I’ve seen firsthand the immense costs of lifelong medical care. In 2013, my daughter suffered brain damage during her delivery because a hospital’s medication protocols were not followed. Thanks to the justice my family received, […]

By Nicole Maxwell A bill seeking to remove cannabis from the list of substances employers test for during employment drug screenings in most cases is being discussed in the Roundhouse. Under HB 230 employees would also not be considered “impaired” if  cannabis metabolites show up in a test sample. “The purpose of this bill is really to […]

By Ezra Spitzer, Board Member, New Mexico Safety Over Profit I held my daughter in my arms as she took her last breath—her fatal injuries the result of medical malpractice in a healthcare system that prioritizes profits over safety. The experience of being unable to protect my child and being denied true justice through the […]