Hello friends and neighbors,
Things are picking up speed in the Roundhouse. Here’s an update on three of my bills:
HB 175 Forest & Watershed Buffer Projects passed the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee and will now move to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
HB 176 Backup Power Generation Tax Credit also passed the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee. However, it was rolled in the House Tax and Revenue Committee to include additional language that expands the bill to encompass solar energy.
SB 33 Wildfire Preparedness Act passed the Senate Conservation Committee and will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, February 17th.
The House Appropriations and Finance Committee continues to hold hearings to address the state budget.
In the House Education Committee this past week, I voted:
For HB 63 Public School Funding Formula Changes
For HB 156 Increase Educational Salaries
Against HB 260 Allowable Responses to Student Behavior (though it passed the committee)
HB 260 amends current law to make substantial changes to how public-school employees can or must respond to escalated student behaviors. I believe students need direction, and our society is increasingly teaching that “authority is negative.” But what about the other students and faculty who are on the receiving end of abusive or violent behavior? Where is their protection?
I also had the privilege of meeting with our Region 9 Director and superintendents while they were in Santa Fe. Additionally, I attended a breakfast hosted by the New Mexico School Boards Association.
On Saturday, the first three bills reached the House floor. Unfortunately, the “crime package” backed by House Democrats doesn’t do enough. No more excuses. HJC/HB 8 “Criminal Competency & Treatment” passed 48-20 after a three-hour debate. We proposed two amendments for stronger reform and harsher penalties for criminals, but both were tabled. I voted against this watered-down bill, as it fails to hold violent criminals accountable.
We are almost halfway through the session, so things will start moving quickly on the House floor.
I appreciate your continued prayers for protection and guidance.
Respectfully,
Representative Harlan Vincent
District 56
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