Summary of NM Legislature's special session
newsday.com
By The Associated Press
Published: September 24, 2011 9:19 PM

A look at the New Mexico Legislature's special session, which ended Saturday:

WHAT PASSED:

--Redistricting plans for the 42-member state Senate, 70-member House of Representatives, five-member Public Regulation Commission and 10-member Public Education Commission. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez plans to veto the House and Senate redistricting proposals but hasn't decided on the others. Courts likely will end up deciding redistricting if nothing is enacted.

--An $86 million package of improvement improvements. Bonds backed by severance taxes will pay for most of the projects.

--$450,000 to supplement federal food stamps for the elderly and disabled. The state program will run out of money at the end of the month without the legislation. The proposal also provides up $12 million for Medicaid by tapping into money that otherwise will go back to the federal government if the state doesn't use it.

--Tightening a preference for New Mexico businesses that bid on state government contracts. Supporters say the current system is abused by out-of-state businesses that can qualify as New Mexico firms when bidding on contracts.

--A bill providing for a precinct boundary change near Isleta Pueblo in Bernalillo County.

--$1.2 million to cover expenses of the special session and $1 million for possible impeachment proceedings against Public Regulation Commissioner Jerome Block Jr. , who's under investigation for misconduct in office.

WHAT FAILED:

--A plan for new boundaries of New Mexico's three congressional districts. The Democratic-controlled Senate approved a proposal but the House didn't vote on it before adjourning Saturday. Some House Democrats objected to the measure, which also was opposed by Republicans.

--Shoring up the state's unemployment compensation fund. It's now up to the state Supreme Court to decide whether the governor properly vetoed a $128 million tax increase that the Legislature approved earlier this year to ensure the solvency of the unemployment program. The court put the veto lawsuit on hold to allow the Legislature to resolve the dispute. If the court overturns the governor's veto, it's possible the tax increase will be implemented starting in January.

--Martinez's proposal to repeal a 2003 law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain a driver's license. Lawmakers never debated the measure.

--A proposal to stop third-graders from moving to the fourth grade if they aren't reading proficiently. Currently, a parent can overrule a school that wants to retain a student rather than promoting them to the next grade.

--A bill to allow local governments and the state to ban all fireworks during extreme drought conditions.

--Legislation clarifying provisions of a tax credit for businesses that create high-wage jobs.

--Proposals by the governor to merge several cabinet-level agencies, such as the Cultural Affairs and Tourism departments.

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