Local News

Recreational marijuana would become legal for people 21 or older in New Mexico and the state could tax marijuana sold in licensed stores under a bill introduced Thursday by state Rep. Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque.

House Bill 356 would establish a licensing system that supporters say favors small businesses and institute a 9 percent tax on marijuana for buyers who are not patients in the state’s Medical Cannabis Program.

Legislators are pressing ahead with a slate of gun control bills that would require background checks for virtually all firearm sales and add to the categories of offenders who would be prohibited from possessing a gun at all.

Proponents argue these bills will close loopholes and help keep guns out of the hands of those who have committed violent crimes or are in crisis. But critics argue the laws will prove unenforceable, ineffective and will undermine the right to bear arms.

Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session that propose to fund programs for children and families. They aim to improve the education system, prevent and punish child abuse, alter the tax code and extend medical benefits to impoverished families.

New Mexico is now officially ranked as the worst state in the country to be a child, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Some see opportunity in being 50th. Like an addict who has reached rock bottom, there is no place to go but up.

How high will the statewide minimum wage go?

Or will it go at all?

For many business owners, that is a key looming question during the 60-day legislative session.