Articles
- Governor Lujan Grisham signs 60 bills into law
- Colfax County Awards
- State Agencies Assist in Winter Storm Response
- Colfax County Sheriff Baca Swears in Sergeant Jonathan Hernandez
- Lodgers Tax Advisory Board Approves News Media Grant, Postpones Sugarite Webseries
Visit Colfax County Commission Meetings page or the Raton City Commission Meetings page to read reports of the regularly schedule commission meetings.
Governor Lujan Grisham signs 60 bills into law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Coleman
Office of the Governor
April 7, 2025
Governor Lujan Grisham signs 60 bills into law
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today signed 60 bills into law, addressing a wide range of priorities including healthcare access, public safety, economic development, elections and education.
Legislation Lujan Grisham signed today will:
- Strengthen public safety through measures like the Turquoise Alert System (SB 41) and enhance DNA collection for certain offenders (HB 340).
- Support economic development through the Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness program (SB 169)
- Expand educational opportunities with the Community School Fund & Framework (SB 387), Public Education Reform Fund Uses (SB 201), and Broadband for Education (SB 401).
- Enhance healthcare access by ensuring coverage for diabetic foot ulcer equipment (HB 233) and improving pharmacy reimbursement plans (HB 174).
- Protect natural resources under the Wildfire Prepared Act (SB 33).
Other notable bills include legislation allowing non-major party voters to participate in primary elections (SB 16), increasing transparency in healthcare transactions (HB 586), and improving emergency response capabilities for search and rescue operations (SB 353).
A complete list of bills signed by the governor is below:
| HB 041 | Public Project Fund Appropriations |
| HB 071 | Early Childhood Ed & Care Fund Transfers |
| HB 099 | Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificates |
| HB 101 | Firearm At Polling Place for Law Enforcement |
| HB 102 | Violent Felonies for Meritorious Deduction |
| HB 131 | Caregiver Background Checks |
| HB 159 | Energy Project Siting & Military Bases |
| HB 167 | Higher Ed. Payment for Certain Tests |
| HB 174 | Pharmacy Reimbursement for Certain Plans |
| HB 192 | Digital Trunked Radio System Subscriber Fees |
| HB 206 | NMFA Water Project Fund Projects |
| HB 233 | Diabetic Foot Ulcer Equipment Coverage |
| HB 244 | Magistrate Judge Minimum Age |
| HB 251 | Ed. Retirement Beneficiary Changes |
| HB 281 | Hair Braiding Licensure |
| HB 298 | Local Government Official Changes |
| HB 323 | Engineer Licensure |
| HB 340 | DNA Of Certain Offenders in Codis |
| HB 357 | Mi Via Waiver Program Provider Gross Receipts |
| HB 361 | EMNRD Conversion of Certain Wells |
| HB 402 | Health Insurance Provider Info Loading |
| HB 431 | Appointment Of Watershed Boards |
| HB 439 | Public Safety Telecommunicator CPR Training |
| HB 458 | Carbon Dioxide Storage Stewardship Act |
| HB 553 | Timber Grading Act |
| HB 586 | Review Of Certain Healthcare Transactions |
| HB 618 | Clarify DoIT Role on Agency Projects |
| SB 007 | Storm Water Service as Municipal Utility |
| SB 008 | Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program |
| SB 016 | Non-Major Party Voters in Primary Elections |
| SB 033 | Wildfire Prepared Act |
| SB 037 | Strategic Water Reserve Fund |
| SB 039 | Add Classes to Prior Authorization Drugs |
| SB 041 | Turquoise Alert System |
| SB 053 | Prescribing Psychologist Psychotropics |
| SB 057 | Medical Provider Patient IPRA Info |
| SB 066 | Criminal Offender Employment Exemptions |
| SB 072 | Nonprofit Condo Assoc. Remote Business |
| SB 083 | Innovation in State Government Fund |
| SB 100 | Indebtedness Limit of Arroyo Flood Control |
| SB 101 | Increase Certain Livestock Fees |
| SB 113 | Board & Commission Sunset Dates |
| SB 115 | Public Project Revolving Fund Projects |
| SB 127 | Movie Exemption from Barber & Cosmetic Act |
| SB 155 | Determination of Embezzlement Penalty |
| SB 169 | Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness |
| SB 170 | NMFA Definitions, Funds & Rates |
| SB 201 | Public Ed. Reform Fund Uses |
| SB 219 | Medical Psilocybin Act |
| SB 236 | Look Twice for Motorcycle License Plate |
| SB 252 | Social Work Telehealth Services |
| SB 274 | Board of Finance Approval for Land Sales |
| SB 353 | Search & Rescue Emergency Responses |
| SB 364 | Law Enforcement Qualifications |
| SB 375 | Probation & Parole Changes |
| SB 376 | State Employee Health Benefit Contributions |
| SB 387 | Community School Fund & Framework |
| SB 401 | Broadband for Education |
| SB 481 | State Fairgrounds District Act |
| SB 535 | Public Peace, Health, Safety & Welfare State Fees & Funds |
Colfax County Awards
Posted January 4, 2024
State Agencies Assist in Winter Storm Response
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Coleman
Office of the Governor
Michael.coleman@exec.nm.gov
November 8, 2024
SANTA FE – Since Wednesday, multiple state agencies have supported local emergency managers and public safety teams as New Mexico faced severe winter weather.
- New Mexico State Police officers and the New Mexico Department of Transportation have responded to numerous calls and have assisted hundreds of stranded motorists.
- The Department of Transportation has deployed approximately 200 snowplows, loaders, and graders to clear roads statewide. Crews have been working around the clock in 12-hour shifts, continuing through the weekend.
- The New Mexico National Guard is helping clear roads in Las Vegas, and the State Emergency Operations Center has activated to coordinate resources and oversee the multi-agency response.
- The Health Care Authority in collaboration with the Red Cross, is standing up warming shelters as needed.
- The NM Department of Agriculture is reaching out to producers affected by the storm to assess whether they need feed and other supplies.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued two statewide emergency declarations this week that unlock $1.5 million in state funding to support state agencies responding to the winter storm blanketing much of New Mexico.
“New Mexico’s first responders worked around the clock — in harsh winter conditions — to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “To every state and emergency employee: your hard work during these difficult times does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe.”
Executive Orders 2024-158 and 2024-159 direct the New Mexico Department of Finance Administration to allocate $750,000 to the New Mexico National Guard and $750,000 to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for emergency response efforts.
Residents can call the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHSEM) disaster response and recovery call center at 1-833-663-4736. The hotline will be available 24/7 until further notice to answer questions about storm impacts and help residents connect to resources.
With road conditions still dangerous in some places, residents are reminded to stay off the roads as much as possible and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Safety information for winter weather and warming center locations can be found at dhsem.nm.gov/severeweather. Road conditions and closures are available at nmroads.com. In the event of an emergency, including being stranded on the side of the road, call 911.
Colfax County Sheriff Baca Swears in Sergeant Jonathan Hernandez
Posted November 7, 2024
Congratulations to Sergeant Jonathan Hernandez!
On November 1, 2024, Sheriff Baca proudly swore in Jonathan Hernandez as the newest Sergeant for the Colfax County Sheriff’s Office. With many years of law enforcement experience, Sergeant Hernandez brings invaluable knowledge and dedication to our office. His strong commitment to the safety and well-being of Colfax County and its residents is truly commendable.
Lodgers Tax Advisory Board Approves News Media Grant, Postpones Sugarite Webseries
Posted July 20, 2024
By Niko Inbanez
The Lodgers Tax Advisory Board met July 17 to deliberate on the city’s meticulously budgeted lodgers tax. Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci presented a detailed review of June’s 2024 budget reports. The comparison highlighted a gradual downward trend compared to the past two fiscal years, ending this year with $466,161. This decrease signals a potential deficit starting the new fiscal year. A more accurate financial picture is expected by September or October.
Antonucci noted that an ordinance change involving short-term rental revenue would be required, a process that could take one to two months. This change aims to level the playing field for established lodgers competing with a growing number of short-term rentals. Additional revenue lines, such as $70,000 allocated for Shuler Theater, were also emphasized for immediate action due to the building’s historical significance and high traffic.
The commission is considering increasing the contingency fund to accommodate new billboards, a monthly expense. The final budget, approved on July 23, will be submitted to the state by July 31 to initiate a two-month period during which no changes can be made.
Connie Martinez, advertising lead from the local digital newspaper The Ratonian, presented a formal deal to the city. The Ratonian, a woman-owned business, has been recognized by the New Mexico News Accelerator Program due to Raton’s status as a “news desert.” Martinez highlighted a significant increase in website traffic, attributed to the posting of high school senior photos, which attracted visitors from outside Raton. The board approved a premium sidebar agreement which involves a total investment of $3,600 over a 48-week period.
Gabriel Neel, host of the Colt Balok Show, and their Chief of Staff Brandon Tyler presented their bid to promote the area through their TV talk show. The Colt Balok Show, New Mexico’s only TV talk show, aims to showcase “truth, goodness, and beauty.” Neel and Gav proposed a segment featuring Colt learning to camp at Sugarite Canyon, framed as Raton’s hidden gem. This segment would highlight the area’s appeal to young families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Board Member Sandra Young suggested waiting until the construction of additional assets, such as cabins and rock climbing trails, is completed before producing the series. Neel expressed concern about potential delays affecting their timeline and budget. A motion to postpone the vote until the August LTAB meeting was passed.
Patricia Duran reported on the digital metrics for ExploreRaton. She reported a notable increase in digital traffic with 2,100 visitors primarily from Google, New Mexico, and Texas. The click-through rate stood at 10.3%, with 589 visitors on the family fun page. While TikTok metrics have dropped, Facebook remains the leading platform for local engagement. Upcoming changes include a new highway billboard welcoming visitors to Raton and ongoing updates to the ExploreRaton website. Duran emphasized the importance of a streamlined digital footprint and professional photography to enhance Raton’s online presence.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the need for regular analytics updates from any party receiving funds via the lodgers tax to monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives.