Legislators in both the House and Senate adjourned sine die at noon on Thursday, bringing the 2020 legislative session to a close. This year’s legislative session was contentious at times, but finished with most key bills crossing the finish line and heading to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk for signing.
The Legislature finished the budget process early Thursday morning, with less than 12 hours until the end of the session. Capital outlay legislation, which provides funding for public works throughout the state, also passed in the final hours of the session. Thirty-day sessions occur on even numbered years and are primarily focused on the budget; any legislation not related to budget needs to be put on the agenda by the governor to be considered. This session’s additional items included the perennial attempt at legalizing recreational Cannabis, a renewed push for “red flag laws”, and a swath of energy and environmentally focused legislation among others.