Latest New Mexico state government News
Supreme Court rejects appeal by former New Mexico county commissioner banned for Jan. 6 insurrection
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from a former New Mexico county commissioner who was kicked out of office over his participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Former Otero County commissioner Couy Griffin, a cowboy pastor...
Supreme Court rejects appeal by ex-New Mexico county commissioner banned from office for joining in Jan. 6 insurrection
New Mexico halts some oil-field lease sales in standoff over royalty rates in Permian Basin
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's State Land Office will withhold lease sales indefinitely on its most promising tracts for oil and natural gas development in the Permian Basin as it seeks approval by the state Legislature to increase top-tier royalty rates, Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia...
New Mexico legislators seek endowment to bolster autonomous tribal education programs
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators would create a unique educational endowment of at least $50 million to help Native American communities create their own student programs, including efforts to teach and preserve Indigenous languages, under a proposal endorsed Thursday by the state...
More Republicans back spending on child care, saying it's an economic issue
Like a lot of mothers, North Dakota state Rep. Emily O'Brien struggled to find infant care when her daughter Lennon was born in 2019. So O'Brien, a Republican who represents the Grand Forks region, brought Lennon along to meetings with local leaders and constituents. O'Brien had her...
New Mexico lawmakers don't get a salary. Some say it's time for a paycheck
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Members of New Mexico's Legislature are the only state lawmakers in the country who aren't paid a salary for their service, but voters might change that as a referendum on giving legislators a steady paycheck gains traction. A Democratic-sponsored initiative...
New Mexico man pleads guilty in drive-by shootings on homes of Democratic lawmakers
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — One of three defendants has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of state and local lawmakers in Albuquerque after the 2022 election, according to federal court filings made public Tuesday. Jose...
Longtime New Mexico state Sen. Garcia dies at age 87; champion of children, families, history
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Mary Jane Garcia, a former state senator who served 24 years in the New Mexico Legislature, where she was known as a champion of historic preservation, families and children, has died. She was 87. Garcia, a Democrat who served as majority whip during one...
New Mexico attorney general says fake GOP electors can't be prosecuted, recommends changes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s top prosecutor said Friday that the state’s five Republican electors cannot be prosecuted under the current law for filing election certificates that falsely declared Donald Trump the winner of the 2020 presidential race. However,...
New Mexico considers setback requirements for oil wells near schools and day care centers
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill to ban oil and gas production within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of schools and day care centers across New Mexico is among the first published proposals as the state Legislature prepares for a 30-day session that could bring an overhaul to fundamental oil and gas...