FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2023
Contact: Joaquín Romero
joaquin.romero@nmlegis.gov
(505) 506-5798
Senate Committee Unanimously Advances Bill to Provide Legislative Involvement in Public Health Declarations and Orders
SANTA FE — Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), today cleared the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill aims to provide legislative involvement in the renewing or amending of a governor’s public health order and emergency declaration.
“As the people’s representatives, the Legislature should to have a seat at the table when making important decisions that impact every New Mexican,” said Senator Baca. “Today, we took a step as Legislators to create some balance in the decision-making process during a public health emergency. I thank my colleagues for their bipartisan support on this bill.”
Senate Bill 65, as amended by the Committee, requires legislative approval for public health orders and declarations after 90 days. The approval would be done by Joint Resolution of the Legislature, or if the Legislature is not in Session, by a majority vote of the interim Legislative Council committee. The Legislative Council is comprised of Democratic and Republican members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and meets monthly when the Legislature is not in Session.
The bill will now advance to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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