By Harlan Vincent

Hello friends and neighbors,

Things are picking up speed in the Roundhouse. Let me update you on three of my bills , HB 175 Forest & Watershed Buffer Projects passed House Energy and Natural Resource Committee and will go to House Appropriations and Finance Committee, HB 176 Backup Power Generation Tax Credit passed House Energy and Natural Resource Committee however was rolled n House Tax and Revenue Committee so that additional language could be added to the bill to encompass solar energy. SB 33 Wildfire Prepared Act passed Senate Conservation Committee and will be heard in Senate Finance on Monday, February 17th.

House Appropriations and Finance Committee has continued to have committee hearings that address the state budget.

House Education Committee I voted for both HB 63 PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA CHANGES and HB 156 INCREASE EDUCATIONAL SALARIES however voted against HB 260

ALLOWABLE RESPONSES TO STUDENT BEHAVIOR but it still passed committee. In summary HB 260 amends current law to make substantial changes to the way public school employees

Can/shall respond to [escalated] student behaviors.

I believe students need direction and society is teaching “authority is negative.” What about the other students/faculty on the receiving end of abusive or violent behavior? Where is their protection?

I had the privilege to meet with our Region 9 Director and Superintendents as they were in Santa Fe and was a guest for breakfast at the New Mexico Schools Boards Association meeting.

Our first 3 bills came to the House floor on Saturday. The “crime package” backed by House Democrats simply doesn’t do enough. No more excuses. HJC/HB 8 CRIMINAL COMPETENCY & TREATMENT passed the floor 48-20 after our time allotted 3 hour debate. We offered two amendments to impose harsher penalties and both were tabled. I voted against this watered down bill that does not hold violent criminals accountable.

We are almost half way through the session so things will start to hit the House floor quickly.

I appreciate your continued prayers for protection and guidance.

Harlan Vincent is a State Representative representing District 56, Lincoln and Otero Counties.