March 16, 2017
New Mexico Senate rejects 'right to die' bill – Las Cruces Sun News
The NM Senate has rejected a proposal that would have allowed terminally ill patients to end their lives with help from a doctor. The Democrat-led Senate voted 20-22 on Wednesday against a SB 252 opposed by the local Roman Catholic Church and GOP Gov. Martinez. -- 3/16/2017
Bill banning coyote killing contests clears House committee – Las Cruces Sun News
A measure that would outlaw coyote killing contests for prizes or entertainment has cleared its latest legislative hurdle. The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted 7-4 in favor of the SB 268, which would make it illegal in New Mexico to organize, sponsor or participate in a coyote killing contest. -- 3/16/2017
New Mexico may ban minors from indoor tanning –Las Cruces Sun News
The NM House of Representatives has voted to ban indoor tanning for people under age 18 and require tanning salons to post notice of health risks. The House on Tuesday approved HB 212 from Democratic Rep. Andres Romero of Albuquerque that would offset regulatory costs with licensing fees. -- 3/16/2017
Ethics commission proposal advances in New Mexico – Las Cruces Sun News
A proposal (HJR 8) to create an independent political ethics commission in New Mexico is headed to the Senate floor for a vote after winning a crucial committee endorsement. The Senate Rules committee on Wednesday endorsed a constitutional amendment to create a seven-member ethics commission with the authority to issue subpoenas and civil penalties. -- 3/16/2017
Bill to lower state drug costs reaches House floor – Las Cruces Sun News
A bill by local lawmakers intended to save the state money on prescription drug purchases cleared its final committee hurdle Wednesday and has moved to the House floor. SB 354, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Steinborn and Rep. Joanne Ferrary, both D-Las Cruces, would create a new pharmaceuticals purchasing council to develop cost-cutting strategies for all drug purchases by the state. -- 3/16/2017
