New Mexico legislators are racing against a deadline to advance proposals to safeguard abortion access, deliver tax relief and reduce gun violence.
Republicans in the legislative minority raised a series of objections during a House floor debate to a bill that aims to protect abortion providers and patients from out-of-state interference, prosecution or extradition attempts.
In a victory for abortion rights advocates in New Mexico and states where the procedure is banned, the House secured final passage of that bill, in a 38-30 vote with Republicans and some Democrats in opposition.
Lujan Grisham on Friday said it was increasingly important for New Mexico to broaden its protections for access to abortion, along with gender-affirming health care, amid litigation backed by Republican-led states that threatens the nationwide availability of a leading abortion medication.
Sponsors include Republican House minority leaders T. Ryan Lane of Aztec and former police captain and Republican state Rep. Bill Rehm of Albuquerque.
Lujan Grisham signed a bill last week that makes it a crime to store firearms in places that children could access.
The Democratic governor helped negotiate provisions of the bill and is expected to sign it into law. »
