Legislative Analysis & APD Leadership | 3.26.21

This week on New Mexico in Focus, the clock struck midnight on legislation that would have legalized adult-use cannabis in New Mexico. But shortly after the 2020 legislative session wrapped, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a framework for a bill that could win approval was in place and she would be calling a special session in just a matter of days to push the legislation over the finish line. We get the very latest from our “Growing Forward” podcast team and learn more about why New Mexico’s approach is unique. The Line opinion panelists will also discuss the slew of landmark bills that did make it through the 60-day session, including a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to pull more money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood and K-12 education programs. There were also major reforms to liquor license laws, a medical aid-in-dying measure, redistricting reform and the repeal of a state abortion ban. The panelists also delve into accusations from female lawmakers of hostile treatment within the halls of the Roundhouse and the fate of several good government issues facing lawmakers in a one-of-a-kind virtual legislative session.  This week, Correspondent Gwyneth Doland also talks to the new leadership team in the Albuquerque Police Department. Mayor Tim Keller recently announced that interim police chief Harold Medina had earned the job moving forward, but added a new position of superintendent of police reform. Sylvester Stanley will be charged with continuing to implement changes recommended as part of the Department of Justice settlement agreement reached more than six years ago after a series of controversial police shootings. Host:  Gene Grant  Line opinion panelists: Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal  Andy Lyman, reporter, New Mexico Political Report    Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican  Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus  Segments: Cannabis Legalization Update from Growing Forward Podcast  Correspondent: Megan Kamerick  Andy Lyman  Guest: Natalie Fertig, cannabis policy reporter, Politico New Albuquerque Police Department Leadership Correspondent:  Gwyneth Doland, NMiF correspondent  Guests:  Harold Medina, Albuquerque police chief  Sylvester Stanley, superintendent of police reform