New Mexico Legislature

Human trafficking continues to be a problem in the state. The National Human Trafficking Hotline had 350 reports from New Mexico in 2021, the most recent data available. It’s an issue that also intersects with the 193 missing and murdered Indigenous people here. Two organizations spoke with lawmakers last week about how they could help.

Colorado’s governor is set to sign a first-of-its-kind reform bill mandating property insurers account for wildfire risk mitigation in both their coverage decisions and pricing models. Some in New Mexico are looking at the legislation as an example that could work here as well.

For the third straight year, lawmakers are trying to raise taxes on alcoholic drinks, in an attempt to reduce New Mexico’s worst-in-the-nation alcohol-related death rate.

Capital & Main's Jerry Redfern talks about his recent report on large oil and gas companies giving to New Mexico Democrats, contrary to where they overwhelmingly put their money nationally.

Following internal elections over the weekend, the leadership of the New Mexico House come January is mostly set. While some leaders are returning to their posts on both sides of the aisle, most will be new to their roles.

New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez is the only Democratic leader facing a challenge this election. Republican Bart Kinney is running a longshot campaign to oust the five-term lawmaker in a heavily Democratic district.

The last time a Democrat held the Rio Rancho area’s House District 23, it included Corrales. So, it was a lot bluer back then. After redistricting, voters overwhelmingly elected Republican Rep. Alan Martinez. Now, Democratic challenger Frank Smith is trying to flip the district back against the odds.

Longtime state Sen. Craig Brandt, the chamber's Republican whip, is facing a challenge from Democratic newcomer Amina Everett, who’s running as a candidate for change.

Students across the U.S. are shifting away from traditional four-year college degrees, opting instead for post-secondary certificates. Over the last decade, New Mexico has seen a huge rise in enrollment in these types of programs, according to a new report.

Though the flames may be out from this summer's Salt and South Fork wildfires in southern New Mexico, damage to property and the local economy remain. During a legislative committee meeting Wednesday, Ruidoso-area leaders discussed their community’s challenges, but also its resilience.