interim legislative committees

When Isleta Resort and Casino reopened after the COVID shutdown, it implemented a mask requirement that meant no longer allowing customers to smoke inside. Casino officials told an interim legislative committee Wednesday that they’ve decided to maintain the ban indefinitely and, despite fears to the contrary, the policy actually boosted its bottom line.

New Mexicans who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a program to help people kick nicotine products, are being turned away. Local organizations doing smoking prevention work say the state has also told them to stop their projects.

Big wildfires earlier this year damaged the acequias that funnel water to New Mexico’s rural farms and communities. Diversion structures were destroyed, silt and debris filled many existing water channels and water flow changed paths. Monday acequia managers asked lawmakers in Santa Fe to fully fund acequia disaster response.

Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless’s Rachel Biggs told the legislature’s Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee Monday that investing in housing can keep people with extremely low incomes from committing or being victims of crime.

New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney told the legislature’s Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Committee meeting in Clovis Friday that there is no practical safe level of PFAS in drinking water. It’s a hazardous substance used in firefighting, household products, and even clothing.

When the Legislature is not in session in New Mexico, lawmakers still meet and hold hearings about things like education funding, solitary confinement,…