New Mexico Child Pornography Loophole Bill Heads To Senate- Associated Press
A New Mexico House-approved bill aimed at closing a loophole in the state's pornography law protecting children faces an uphill battle in the Senate.
The proposal was assigned Friday to three committees in the Democratic-controlled Senate, drawing an angry response for House Republicans.
GOP House Majority Leader Nate Gentry says the move likely kills the bill which passed Tuesday by a 60-2 vote.
The proposal would allow prosecutors to charge a suspect for each child pornography image in their possession
Current law bars prosecutors from bringing more than a single charge against suspects in possession of child pornography images.
Senate Finance Committee chair Sen. John Arthur Smith says because state revenues are down all bills with fiscal impact are going to his committee. He says the Senate is being responsible.
Report Finds Cronyism Turning Business Off Of New Mexico - Associated Press, Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico's economy is losing potential business because of a perception that corruption and cronyism is in the state government.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reportsthat a report from University of New Mexico researchers released Thursday indicates that business leaders believe some companies already curry government and bureaucratic favors.
UNM political science professor Michael Rocca, who led the team of researchers and grad students, says cronyism matters as much as infrastructure and education when businesses decide where to expand or relocate.
The report suggests changes such as creating a statewide ethics commission, having greater transparency in campaign financing and closely reviewing tax breaks for businesses.