Special session focused on public safety in New Mexico begins on Thursday

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has officially called the special session to address public safety in New Mexico. While the governor has faced pushback from her own party, she was surrounded in a news conference on Wednesday afternoon by officials who are in support of the session.

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The Governor of the Santa Clara Pueblo even brought pictures showing some of the problems he’s facing.

“”Hypodermic needles laying all on our lands that are deposited by these individuals…We find these individuals that are unauthorized camping on our reservation, then you find illegal dumping,” said Gov. J. Michael Chavarria.

Mayors, law enforcement, tribal governors, and others from around the state came to the capitol to support the special session. “Tomorrow at noon, we are asking lawmakers to do right by New Mexico families, to do right by all of our cities and counties, and to create the kind of opportunities for us to get help to the people who need that help without which will be at risk themselves on the streets,” said Governor Lujan Grisham.

The session will focus on changes to the criminal code including penalties for felons with guns, making it illegal to stand on medians in busy streets, and changes to the judicial system in terms of criminal competency and commitment. Many in attendance voiced their support for the special session.

“Governor you are right to believe like we do that continued high crime, does reputational damage to New Mexico and our quality of life for businesses and residents alike,” said Terri L. Cole, ABQ Chamber of Commerce.

The special session has faced backlash from Democratic leaders who said earlier this week it would be a waste of time and money. “Don’t let them tell you that they don’t have enough time. They’ve had decades, and in fact the failure of our legislature to take serious these issues in large part is exactly how we got to where we are today,” said Lujan Grisham.

The governor said she has worked with both sides of the aisle since then and added proposals to the call. That includes helping residents of Ruidoso get federal assistance after the recent fires there. The governor also added proposals aimed at tackling organized crime through the Racketeering Act and addressing fentanyl overdoses.

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