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New Mexico Lawmakers Push Final Tax Incentive Package to Anchor Fusion and Quantum Industries

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Lawmakers Push Final Tax Incentive Package to Anchor Fusion and Quantum Industries

SANTA FE, New Mexico – New Mexico lawmakers are moving to approve a package of tax incentives as the 30-day legislative session adjourns on Thursday.

House Bill 27 and Senate Bill 97 are companion measures that seek to expand and modernize the state’s research and development (R&D) tax credit.

The bills, lawmakers said, aim to anchor emerging industries — including fusion energy and quantum computing — in the state of New Mexico. It will give the state a competitive edge in courting companies in the advanced energy and computing sector.

In a separate measure, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 154 with a 59-5 vote last week. The bill seeks to provide additional tax credit for advanced energy equipment and expand industry coverage — from oil and gas to renewable energy, mining, and advanced manufacturing.

New Mexico’s independent tax incentive structure

Bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. Meredith Dixon (D-Bernalillo) said the legislation would make it easier for advanced energy firms to establish and expand operations in New Mexico.

HB 154 would dissociate New Mexico’s definition of “advanced energy” from the federal 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, giving the state the power make its own incentive structure.

The push for these legislative measures comes as the private-sector investment in the advanced energy sector has increased. California-based Pacific Fusion selected Albuquerque in September as the site of its billion-dollar research and manufacturing campus. The company edged out Livermore and Alameda in California.

City council thumbs up support for Pacific Fusion

Last Fall, the Albuquerque City Council approved $776.6 million in industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) to support commercial fusion energy project, which many scientists have called the “holy grail of renewable energy.” Pacific Fusion partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to develop the project.

Pacific Fusion co-founder and COO Carrie von Muench said the company is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on components manufactured across the country. She added that state-level incentives could help bring more of that work — and the associated jobs — to New Mexico.

Senate Bill 177, one of the session’s major general fund transfer measures, has also included funding support. The bill allocates about $300 million for advanced energy companies, including Pacific Fusion. Quantum computing initiatives are set to receive more than $600 million.

Quantum technology

New Mexico partnered last Fall with Roadrunner Venture Studios to deploy $25 million, making the state a center for quantum technology.

Rob Black, secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, said the state has reached a juncture where it is seeking to convert decades of research leadership into economic growth.

“New Mexico is at an inflection point,” Black, according to Albuquerque Journal, said. He cited the latest gains in fusion energy and advanced computing, adding: “These are the technologies of the future.”

The state’s federal research institutions, including Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia, have been leaders in quantum research and other technologies. Commercialization, however, has often occurred outside New Mexico.

Black said HB 27 allows “stackable” tax credits alongside industrial revenue bonds. The tax incentive package aims to encourage companies to build permanent infrastructure in the state and ensure long-term economic benefits remain local, he added.

New Mexico Women’s Tennis Absorbs Sweep by Zags in Road Trip Finale

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Women’s Tennis Absorbs Sweep by Zags in Road Trip Finale

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Playing three matches in three days had taken its toll physically for the New Mexico Lobos women’s tennis team in Spokane, Washington on Sunday, absorbing a 4-0 sweep from the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The Lobos closed the three-match stretch with a 2-1 record. They struggled to keep the momentum on their side after a back-to-back win against Idaho and South Dakota.

UNM slid to 5-2 overall but showed resilience despite the lopsided final score, according to Go Lobos website.

Gonzaga scored first by securing the doubles point with two decisive victories.

New Mexico struggled to find its rhythm as the Bulldogs posted 6-0 and 6-1 wins, taking the early 1-0 edge. The Lobos had to reshuffle their lineup due to injuries.

The Zags (5-2) dominated the singles play, collecting straight victories at No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 to win the dual match.

The Lobos, on the other hand, competed point-for-point in several games, struggling to convert crucial deuce opportunities — a factor that allowed Gonzaga to close out the sets with no extended pressure.

New Mexico returns home with confidence after the weekend despite the loss. It will play on Friday against in-state rival New Mexico State Aggies for a four-game homestand match.

Xcel Energy Warns of Potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs Amid Texas, New Mexico Wildfire Risk

Juan Oliveros
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Xcel Energy Warns of Potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs Amid Texas, New Mexico Wildfire Risk

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Minnesota-based Xcel Energy is preparing for critical wildfire conditions in the northern Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico. The company warned customers that it may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as early as 9 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, February 17.

The wildfire risk, according to the company, has significantly increased due to the weather conditions two months into the year. Northern Texas and eastern New Mexico are experiencing warm and dry weather with strong winds, low humidity, and very dry vegetation.

“If extreme conditions materialize on Tuesday, shutting off power in specific high-risk areas may be necessary to protect public safety,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president of Xcel Energy–Texas, New Mexico, in a statement. “We are closely monitoring the forecast and will keep customers informed as the situation develops.”

A PSPS is a preventive measure shutting off electricity temporarily in high-risk areas to reduce the potential of the power lines of sparking wildfires during severe weather.

The company said strong winds could also damage power lines and trigger unscheduled outages.

Monitor and check

The company has already prepositioned its crews and equipment to respond and restore service once conditions are safe.

Affected customers will be notified as soon as possible once a PSPS is implemented. Xcel Energy is also urging customers with electrically powered medical equipment to prepare backup power sources.

It will take several days after severe weather subsides for company crews to inspect each power line to restore power, the company said.

Xcel Energy’s online outage map and PSPS event website can help customers monitor outages and check whether they are in a potential PSPS zone.

Vulnerable

The northern Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico are vulnerable to wildfires. These areas have a combination of geography, climate, and seasonal weather patterns. Both regions sit on the southern Great Plains, where the terrain is largely flat and open, offering few natural windbreaks.

In eastern New Mexico, officials have already expressed concern over the little rain the area is getting.

Officials anticipated high potential of fire activity in eastern New Mexico for this spring, said Emery Veilleux of the State Forestry Division.

Veilleux said they’re already concentrating on problem areas as the condition worsens.

Enhanced safety settings activated

Weather forecasts, however, do not currently indicate the need for a PSPS on Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday. But the company said its Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) will remain active during the period.

Under EPSS, power lines shut off automatically if it detects a problem, such as debris striking a wire.

The company said both PSPS and EPSS are used only when weather conditions and other factors such as temperature, wind speed, humidity, and vegetation dryness signal increased wildfire risk.

Xcel Energy urged customers to update their contact information and prepare emergency kits with non-electric essentials. The company also urged customers who depend on medical equipment to secure backup power supplies.

Nature Sculpts Another Planet in the Badlands of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah

Juan Oliveros
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Nature Sculpts Another Planet in the Badlands of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah

SAN JUAN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO —  In northwestern New Mexico, only a few miles from the turnoff to Chaco Culture National Historical Park along U.S. Highway 550, the pavement gives way to dust — and then Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah.

Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah or “gray salt” in Navajo is a wilderness under the Bureau of Land Management of New Mexico. It is where time, wind, and water had sculpted mushroom-like hoodoos — fantastical shapes defying expectation that appears stretching endlessly across the badlands.

BLM website described it as “a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills” glowing under the desert sun.

Some places in the wilderness have fragments of petrified palm wood that look like spilling from the hillsides — reminders of a prehistoric landscape about 75 million years ago.

In this wilderness, silence amplifies the drama. And that means no visitor centers. No paved trails. No interpretive signs telling you where to look. Only a vast, open canvas of rock formations.

No trails, no rules — just respect

The easiest way to begin exploring is from the BLM parking area along unpaved New Mexico State Road 57. From there, an old jeep road cuts through sagebrush grassland. Walk about 0.65 miles and the vegetation abruptly falls away, revealing a sculpted landscape of ridges and drainages that looks almost extraterrestrial.

In his article published in Albuquerque Journal, David Ryan wrote, “Because there are no formal trails, just start wandering. There is no wrong way to explore Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah.”

Very appealing is the freedom to explore Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah — but so is responsibility.

Visitors can navigate through dry washes and gullies. They can choose their own paths through the formations where the soil is unpredictable in its fragility.

This is where the drama heightens: A single careless step on a crusted slope can leave scars that will last for years. Climb carefully. Stay aware of your route. A handheld GPS or marked waypoint is a big help to trace your way back to the parking area.

A “leave no trace” rules apply because it is a state-designated wilderness area. No gathering of petrified wood or removing any natural feature. The place is for your eyes only, preserved for the next visitor.

Fast Facts: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area

Location: San Juan County, northwestern New Mexico, USA

Area: Approximately 6,563 acres (26.56 km²)

Managing agency: Bureau of Land Management

Geologic age: Late Cretaceous period (about 75 million years ago)

Primary features: Hoodoos, fossils, and dramatic badlands terrain

Best time to go

Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah has no water and virtually no shade. Temperatures during summer can be punishing. It is safer to explore the badlands during cooler months — fall, winter, and early spring.

A quick check for weather conditions before heading out is a must. Access roads leading to the area are unpaved and may be difficult or impassable after rain.

Getting there

Drive north on U.S. Highway 550 from Alburquerque. Near the Nageezi chapter house, turn west onto San Juan County Road 7800 between 115 and 116 mile markers.

The road is paved for first four miles and for the remaining stretch is a well-maintained dirt road. CR 7800 ends at NM 57 after 12.4 miles. Turn left and continue 15.5 miles to the BLM parking area.

An important reminder: NM 57 is sandier than CR 7800, and attempting to travel it during inclement weather is discouraged.

NMSU Assistant Professor Receives 2025 Gentec-EO Laser Lab Award, Pledges to Share It with Students 

Grace Tackman
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NMSU Assistant Professor Receives 2025 Gentec-EO Laser Lab Award, Pledges to Share It with Students 

Miranda van Iersel, an assistant professor at New Mexico State University (NMSU), earned the 2025 Gentec-EO Laser Lab Award. The award provides international recognition for supporting hands-on optics and photonics education.

Van Iersel, who is from NMSU’s Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, plans to share her award with students.

Through the award, van Iersel received a Pronto SI laser power meter, a portable device measuring laser beam intensity. She will integrate the instrument into multiple undergraduate and graduate courses. It will allow students to directly connect theoretical concepts to real-world optical measurements.

NMSU reported that Van Iersel discovered the award opportunity while attending an international optics education conference in Glasgow, Scotland. Laser technology leader Gentec-EO invited educators to apply, showing how the device enhanced classroom and laboratory instruction.

“It was a very short proposal focused on how the device would be used in education,” van Iersel said. “I’m teaching several optics- and laser-focused courses, so it was easy to explain how valuable a small, portable measurement tool like this would be for students.”

How Pronto SI Benefits NMSU Engineering Students

The Pronto SI will be used in three core electrical and computer engineering courses, starting with 400-level Introduction to Optics. For many students, the class serves as their first in-depth exposure to optical concepts. This ranges from ray and wave optics to lasers and fiber optics.

“Because this is their first serious introduction to optics, demonstrations are incredibly important,” van Iersel said. “With this device, I can bring laser measurements directly into the classroom and show students how things like alignment affect laser power in real time.”

In the 500-level Fundamentals of Photonics course, students participate in multiple laboratory experiments throughout the semester. Van Iersel will incorporate the new device into experiments on optical alignment, fiber optics, Gaussian beam characterization and polarization effects.

“For example, when students are aligning an optical setup, they can now see exactly how even a slight misalignment impacts the measured power,” van Iersel said. “That kind of immediate feedback really helps build intuition, which is essential for anyone working in optics or photonics.”

Pronto SI Benefits Extend Beyond NMSU Students

Graduate students will gain additional benefits from the award through a specialized elective course on lasers. In this class, students work with open laser cavities. They explore how factors such as mirror distance and internal obstructions influence laser output and beam modes.

“The Pronto SI allows us to expand the experiments and better connect theory to the measurements students will encounter in real research labs,” van Iersel said.

Van Iersel also plans to use the device for outreach activities beyond formal coursework. These include demonstrations for middle and high school students during campus open house days and summer camps. Additionally, she will incorporate the tool into undergraduate research projects, internships, and senior capstone experiences.

Much of van Iersel’s research focuses on how light interacts with complex environments such as air and water. Her work has practical implications for optical communication, environmental monitoring and sensing technologies.

Award Expands Opportunities for NMSU Engineering Students

Van Iersel’s lab is currently exploring optical techniques to detect microplastics in water, a growing environmental concern. Researchers study how light scatters and absorbs across different materials to develop faster methods for identifying contaminants.

“These are problems students don’t always realize are connected to optics,” van Iersel said. “But once they see how measuring light applies to everything from internet communication to environmental health, it really changes how they view the field.”

With the Gentec-EO Laser Lab Award, van Iersel expands opportunities for NMSU engineering students to gain hands-on optical instrumentation experience. This investment supports both education and research across multiple levels.

“This is exactly the kind of tool that helps students bridge the gap between equations on a page and the real systems they’ll work with in their careers,” van Iersel said.

New Mexico Environment Chief Slams EPA Repeal of 2009 Endangerment Finding

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Environment Chief Slams EPA Repeal of 2009 Endangerment Finding

SANTA FE, New Mexico — The head of New Mexico’s environment agency on Thursday denounced the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) repeal of its 2009 “endangerment finding.” He called the move a major setback for climate policy and collective efforts to protect public health.

In a statement, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney said the decision erased decades of science-based policy that served as the backbone of federal climate regulations.

“Today, the federal government destroyed decades of established policies grounded in hard science recognized by the American and global scientific community,” Kenney said.

The endangerment finding, adopted in 2009, concluded that greenhouse gas emissions threaten public health and welfare. It became the legal basis for a broad range of federal rules with the aim to rollback emissions and address climate change.

Kenney does not believe that repealing the policy would lower costs as argued by the Trump administration.

The Trump administration described the repeal of the 2009 endangerment finding as a way to reduce regulatory costs, make vehicles cheaper for the consumers, and save about $1.3 trillion in regulatory burden. White House officials used these points to justify the repeal.

But Kenney disagreed, saying it will discourage domestic investment and slow down technological innovation.

Households could face higher insurance premiums, healthcare costs, and disaster recovery due to the impacts of a warming climate, he warned.

Despite EPA’s decision, Kenney said New Mexico would be pursuing its own climate agenda.

He said the state, under the administration of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, has demonstrated that economic growth and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can go hand in hand.

He added that the Grisham administration will continue to innovate around climate solutions for the good of the people and economy.

New Mexico House Passes HB 4 to Protect Health Coverage as Enrollment Surges 17 Percent

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico House Passes HB 4 to Protect Health Coverage as Enrollment Surges 17 Percent

SANTA FE, New Mexico — The House of Representatives of New Mexico has approved House Bill 4 on a 48-19 bipartisan vote. The measure aims to shield residents from losing health coverage amid sweeping federal cuts.

HB 4 increases revenue for New Mexico’s Health Care Affordability Fund (HCAF) to keep insurance premiums and out-of-pocket exspenses affordable for working families and small businesses. Reps. Reena Szczepanski and Liz Thomson sponsored the bill.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said the legislation responds to federal actions last year that rolled back enhanced premium tax credits and slashed Medicaid funding.

“New Mexico is not going to stand by while Washington decisions threaten health care access for our families,” Lujan Grisham said.

The measure, she said, aims to protect coverage and ensure New Mexicans can continue accessing health care.

$366 million for affordability

Next year’s executive budget recommends the allocation of $366 million for health care affordability programs. State officials estimate the investment could protect coverage for up to 46,600 individuals and reduce health care costs for some 122,000 people statewide.

Szczepanski, the House majority leader, said the measure is one of the most critical measures of the session. The lawmaker said it would stabilize health care system and save families from losing insurance due to federal government’s decision.

Enrollment rises despite national decline

The measure comes as New Mexico bucks a national trend of declining health insurance enrollment.

Data show a statewide enrollment climbed by 17 percent. The number defied a natonwide decline due to higher premiums and coverage losses following federal subsidy rollback.

National figures from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicate that many Americans are being forced into high-deductible plans as health care costs rise. The average deductible reaches $7,476 discouraging most Americans from seeking medical care.

In contrast, New Mexico has seen a shift from high-deductible coverage. State records showed enrollment in high-deductible Bronze plans dropped to 3.1 percent from 3.4 percent. At the same time, more residents signed up for Turquoise Plans, which offer the lowest out-of-pocket costs in the state’s insurance marketplace.

State officials credit the Health Care Affordability Fund and related reforms with cushioning the impact of federal cuts.

WNMU Proposes Learning Hub To Further Drive Student Success

Grace Tackman
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WNMU Proposes Learning Hub To Further Drive Student Success

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) continues to explore initiatives to ensure student success.

The Associated Students of Western New Mexico University (ASWNMU) formally requests state funding to establish the ASWNMU Learning Hub. This project represents a comprehensive effort to modernize the university’s academic infrastructure. The Hub revitalizes the robust student support systems that have long anchored the Mustang experience.

According to WNMU, the ASWNMU Learning Hub proposal is a direct response to the evolving needs of the student body. Previous funding requests focused on specialized high-tech laboratory systems. The student government identified a more pressing need: creating a centralized, holistic environment focused on academic retention and peer-to-peer connections. 

“WNMU is moving forward with a clearer vision,” said ASWNMU President Carlos Carranza. “The ASWNMU Learning Hub is not just a physical renovation; it is a vital investment in building a community of Mustangs who feel supported, capable, and ready to graduate. By reviving the spirit of the Center for Student Success, we are creating a space designed intentionally for community-building and connected learning.”

ASWNMU Learning Hub’s Role in Academic Support

ASWNMU Learning Hub revives the successful integrated support model of the former Center for Student Success. The center played a vital role in campus life before interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed Hub will serve as a visible academic sanctuary, consolidating the university’s essential support services into one accessible location. The university is bringing student tutoring, the Writing Center, and the Math Café into a single centralized environment. This effort aims to eliminate barriers to assistance. It encourages a culture where seeking academic support is a natural part of the daily student routine.

Designing the ASWNMU Learning Hub

Beyond traditional tutoring, the facility will be constructed to meet the demands of a 21st century workforce. Plans for the Hub include implementing technology-equipped zones where students can complete coursework using industry-standard tools. These zones ensure students become proficient in the technologies they will encounter after graduation. 

The Hub’s architectural vision focuses on versatility, incorporating a mix of:

  • Areas dedicated to group projects and peer workshops that promote teamwork and communication.
  • Environmentally controlled areas designed for deep concentration and individual research.
  • Intentionally designed spaces that facilitate informal mentorship and community-building among students from diverse academic backgrounds.

The Purpose of ASWNMU Learning Hub

This legislative request centers on the conviction that modernized, centralized facilities are a prerequisite for student success. By unifying fragmented services into a “one-stop” Hub, WNMU expects measurable improvements in student retention and graduation rates. 

The project aims to create a stronger connection between classroom instruction and professional achievement. Its goal is to provide students with resources to navigate complex degree requirements in a supportive, high-energy atmosphere.

Supporting Research and Education: New Mexico Tech Unveils Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence

Grace Tackman
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0
Supporting Research and Education: New Mexico Tech Unveils Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology takes another step toward global innovation with the launch of a new initiative.

New Mexico Tech recently announced the establishment of the Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The new initiative will serve as the university’s central hub for AI integration. It will spearhead the advancement of AI across the curriculum, faculty and staff research, and campus-wide operations.

The AI Institute supports research and education with AI infrastructure, cultivates talent pipelines, and ignites partnerships to solve real-word problems.

New Mexico Tech revealed that distinguished alumnus Dr. Raul Deju made the Institute’s launch possible through his visionary support. Deju’s contributions provided the foundation for the Institute’s immediate and long-term sustainability as a leader in AI education and application.

“New Mexico Tech is a special place that propelled me to a successful entrepreneurial career, and I believe it is uniquely positioned to lead in this new technological era,” said Deju. “By investing in the AI Institute, we are providing the tools for the next generation of ‘Techies’ to drive global innovation. It is my privilege to help launch this endeavor and ensure our students remain the most competitive and inspired problem-solvers in the world.”

Leadership Team of the AI Institute

A multidisciplinary leadership team guides the AI Institute, overseeing strategic activities and facilitating AI technology integration throughout the institution. The team includes:

  • Michael Smith, Director of the Institute for Complex Additive Systems Analysis (ICASA),
  • Dr. Jun Zheng, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering,
  • Dr. John Naliboff, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science.

“AI is a critical tool for analyzing complex systems,” said Smith. 

Smith said the Institute bridges the gap between theoretical AI and practical applications in national security and complex data analysis. It provides students with unparalleled hands-on experience.

For Zheng, the Institute offers students flexible opportunities to pursue degrees, minors, and certificates in AI, data science, and cybersecurity.

“We are excited to continue to expand our curricular offerings and prepare students for the workforce and fast-changing landscape of AI and other emerging fields, including quantum and cybersecurity,” Zheng said.

Additionally, Naliboff emphasized that the “combined AI-capabilities of the new Institute and HPC infrastructure will provide students hands-on opportunities to engage in areas of critical workforce and economic development, while aligning researchers across campus for emerging research frontiers and associated funding opportunities.” He oversees New Mexico Tech’s High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure.

The leadership team reports to Dr. Lique Coolen, Vice President of Research and Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs. They ensure AI initiatives remain closely aligned with the university’s broader research and academic mission.  

The Institute will focus on building talent, boosting research, enhancing infrastructure, and securing partnerships.  

“The Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence represents a pivotal step in ensuring New Mexico Tech remains at the forefront of technological innovation,” said Coolen. 

Coolen said that integrating AI into the curriculum and research operations prepares students, staff, and faculty. It equips them to solve the complex challenges of the future.

Why The Initiative Matters

Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala stressed the strategic importance of this launch for the state, nation, and industry. He serves as a New Mexico Tech Regent and is a global authority on the intersection of cybersecurity and AI.

“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a peripheral technology; it is the cornerstone of our future global security and economic resilience,” said Dr. Mukkamala. “As an alumnus and Regent, I am thrilled to see New Mexico Tech take this bold step.” 

Mukkamala said that through the AI Institute, New Mexico Tech ensures its research remains at the cutting edge. He added that the Institute prepares graduates to lead with integrity and innovation in an AI-driven world.

Interim President Dr. Michael Jackson said the initiative marks a major collaborative milestone for faculty, research staff, administration, and alumni.

“Our comprehensive, robust strategy will embed AI into every facet of our mission, ensuring New Mexico Tech will be a leader in the AI revolution. I am excited to see our campus community advance this initiative—from educating the STEM workforce and tackling complex research challenges, to positively impacting the quality of life for all New Mexicans,” he said.

House Panel Advances Gun Control Bill After Marathon Hearing

Juan Oliveros
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0
House Panel Advances Gun Control Bill After Marathon Hearing

A House panel will send the gun control bill to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration after it narrowly approved the Democratic-backed measure on Wednesday.

The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee advanced Senate Bill 17 or the Stop Illegal Gun Act with a vote of 6–5.

Tightened sale or possession

SB 17 seeks to tighten regulations on firearm sales and classify certain weapons as dangerous to improve public safety. It would require licensed gun dealers to maintain inventory records and adopt additional security measures.

The measure would also restrict the sale or possession of gas-operated semiautomatic firearms, .50-caliber rifles, and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

Efforts to weaken the bill failed during the deliberations. Lawmakers rejected a proposed amendment to remove provisions restricting certain firearms by a 5–6 vote. Another motion to table the bill also failed.

SB 17 now heads to the House Judiciary Committee. If cleared, the bill will move to the House plenary.

Gun control bill unconstitutional, ineffective

Republican lawmakers sharply criticized the bill. They said the measure is unconstitutional and ineffective.

In a statement the House Republicans called the bill “an outright assault on the Second Amendment and on the freedoms of responsible New Mexicans.”

“Instead of addressing the violent crime crisis plaguing our communities, Democrats are choosing to punish law-abiding citizens and small business owners. That is not public safety. That is political theater,” according to the statement quoted by Albuquerque Journal.

Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, one of the bill’s opponents, called it reckless and ineffective.

Lord said SB 17 subjected law abiding citizens and licensed firearm dealers to unreasonable burden. The bill, she said, “places crushing regulatory, surveillance, and reporting burdens on law-abiding, federally licensed firearm dealers and New Mexicans who legally purchase firearms to protect themselves and their families.”

The lawmaker presented the petition signed by 85,000 individuals calling for the “assault weapon ban” to be shut down.

A step to curb gun violence

Democrat lawmakers, however, asserted the measure is a step toward curbing gun violence in the state.

SB 17 represents practical steps to curb gun violence, Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Sta Fe, said. It will allow the state to hold retailers accountable to enforce existing laws, the lawmaker added.

The bill, according to the Democrat lawmaker, would ban the sale powerful firearms used in mass shootings.

Dozens of people attended the hearing to deliver their testimonies, including gun store owners, law enforcement officers, teachers, medical professionals, veterans, and gun violence survivors.

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