This week on New Mexico in Focus, the clock struck midnight on legislation that would have legalized adult-use cannabis in New Mexico. But shortly after the 2020 legislative session wrapped, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a framework for a bill that could win approval was in place and she would be calling a special session in just a matter of days to push the legislation over the finish line. We get the very latest from our “Growing Forward” podcast team and learn more about why New Mexico’s approach is unique.
The Line opinion panelists will also discuss the slew of landmark bills that did make it through the 60-day session, including a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to pull more money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood and K-12 education programs. There were also major reforms to liquor license laws, a medical aid-in-dying measure, redistricting reform and the repeal of a state abortion ban. The panelists also delve into accusations from female lawmakers of hostile treatment within the halls of the Roundhouse and the fate of several good government issues facing lawmakers in a one-of-a-kind virtual legislative session.
This week, Correspondent Gwyneth Doland also talks to the new leadership team in the Albuquerque Police Department. Mayor Tim Keller recently announced that interim police chief Harold Medina had earned the job moving forward, but added a new position of superintendent of police reform. Sylvester Stanley will be charged with continuing to implement changes recommended as part of the Department of Justice settlement agreement reached more than six years ago after a series of controversial police shootings.
New Mexico in Focus airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 28 at 7 a.m.
NMiF Segments
Cannabis Legalization Update from Growing Forward Podcast
Correspondents
Megan Kamerick
Andy Lyman
Guest
Natalie Fertig, cannabis policy reporter, Politico
New Albuquerque Police Department Leadership
Correspondent
Gwyneth Doland, NMiF correspondent
Guests
Harold Medina, Albuquerque police chief
Sylvester Stanley, superintendent of police reform
Line opinion panelists
Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal
Andy Lyman, reporter, New Mexico Political Report
Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus
Host
Gene Grant
New Mexico in Focus is the New Mexico PBS prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. NMiF takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic health, education, and art issues, and explores them in-depth with a critical eye to give them context beyond the “news of the moment.
The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Matt Grubs, with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer.
The NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.
The McCune Charitable Foundation provides NMiF funding, along with viewers like you.
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