February 2, 2022
On Tuesday, January 18th, our 112 New Mexico state legislators gathered at the Roundhouse, to kick off the 2022 New Mexico legislative session. On even-numbered years like this, New Mexico lawmakers meet for a 30-day “short session” where the focus is constrained to budgets, financial appropriations, and a limited number of items placed on the agenda by the governor.
Although this is a short session, there are still several measures under consideration which could have important impacts on animals in New Mexico and beyond. Through APV’s social media, e-alerts, and blog posts, we will keep you updated on crucial animal-related legislation throughout the session and notify you of opportunities to speak up about these issues that matter to you and to us. Thank you for your advocacy and engagement on behalf of animals!
We are now at the halfway point of the legislative session, and we have some updates to share. Let’s get to it!
Senate Joint Memorial 2 (SJM 2) – National Biodiversity Strategy
Helmed by President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), SJM 2 is a joint memorial requesting the federal government establish a national biodiversity strategy with the support of Congress, federal agencies, and state, local and tribal governments; requesting all parties support the strategy; and requesting they take actions to protect species and habitats and help forestall the loss of biodiversity. With our planet facing a biodiversity crisis, largely driven by habitat loss and climate change due to human activity, a national biodiversity strategy will help protect wildlife and our environment for future generations.
On January 28th, SJM 2 was heard in the Senate Rules Committee, where the memorial received a unanimous do-pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. The next stop is the Senate Conservation Committee, where it is scheduled to be heard on Thursday, February 3rd. If your Senator sits on this committee (see the committee members listed here), please contact them to express your support for SJM 2.
House Memorial 24 (HM 24) – Develop a Plan to Save Adoptable Dogs and Cats
Sponsored by Rep. Eliseo Alcon (D-Milan), HM 24 directs New Mexico county managers, in collaboration with animal shelters and welfare organizations, to establish a taskforce to develop a comprehensive plan with the goal of saving the lives of all healthy, adoptable shelter dogs and cats by 2025. Certainly, New Mexico’s animal shelters have made great strides in reducing euthanasia rates and, with the establishment of a comprehensive statewide plan, those rates could decline even further.
HM 24 was heard by the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee (HCPAC) on February 1st and passed unanimously by a bipartisan 5-0 vote, and it will next be placed on the House floor calendar. While memorials don’t have the force of law (they are more like a legislative body “making a statement” or making its requests known), it is still a meaningful message to our state and counties that the state House of Representatives intends to take companion animal overpopulation and tragic euthanasia seriously.
House Bill 56 (HB 56) – Temporary Veterinary Permits
Led by Rep. Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) (carrying it onward after the bill was initiated by Rep. Brittney Barreras, who resigned recently) & Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Albuquerque), HB 56 extends the length (from sixty days to six months) of temporary veterinary medicine permits for out-of-state vets contracted by state or local government to provide services at a nationally accredited zoo or aquarium. This bill appears to be a positive step in addressing the shortage of veterinarians and challenges to accessing expert care for exotic animals at places like the ABQ BioPark. HB 56 was also referred to HCPAC and heard by the committee today, where it received another unanimous do-pass recommendation by a bipartisan 5-0 vote, and it is scheduled to go before the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee on Friday, February 4th (if your Representative sits on this committee, find them here and contact them).
There are about 16 days left in the 2022 state legislative session. APV is committed to doing everything we can to pass strong laws and build reliable infrastructure for animals. This work would not be possible without you. Thank you!
