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SANTA FE – House Bill 129, creating a mandatory 7-day waiting period for the purchase of firearms, was passed through a concurrence vote in the House. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for her signature. The bill is the first of more than 20 public safety bills introduced by the governor during this legislative session to pass. The session ends on Thursday. “HB 129 is an important piece of public safety legislation that will undoubtedly save lives,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “This legislation will help prevent gun violence and suicides – both of which are deadly public health and safety challenges in New Mexico. “With less than two days left in the legislative session, this is the only public safety measure to pass both chambers so...

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday announced the appointment of her new Director of Communications, Michael Coleman. “I have known Michael professionally for more than 20 years, and I look forward to working with him in his new role to advance communications around the historic work of this administration,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “I want to thank outgoing Director of Communications Maddy Hayden for her years of service in my administration – I know she will be exceptional in her next endeavor.” Coleman has more than two decades of reporting experience, including 18 years as the Washington, D.C., correspondent for the Albuquerque Journal. Coleman most recently served as the lead editorial writer for the Austin...

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday issued a statement following the death of Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday. “I am horrified to hear of the murder of a young officer in Las Cruces last night. Officer Hernandez was, by all accounts, a dedicated and brave public servant and an outstanding son, husband and father. “I am praying for Officer Hernandez’s wife, his two sons, his friends and family, his colleagues at the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Las Cruces community as they grieve his sudden and terrible loss. This loss is felt acutely by every first responder and their families, who selflessly serve and protect New Mexicans every day. “Officer...

SANTA FE – Today, the New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed Brig. Gen. Jamison Herrera as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS). "Brig. Gen. Herrera has already demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to military service,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “The Senate's unanimous confirmation speaks to his ability to tackle the issues affecting veterans and to ensure they receive the services they deserve." “General Jamison Herrera has over 34 years of military service to the New Mexico National Guard. He is a man all about service and serving,” said Sen. Harold Pope, Jr., who sponsored Secretary Herrera. “New Mexico’s veterans will now have a Secretary of Veterans Services undergoing a transition to...

SANTA FE – Today, the New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed Kari Armijo as the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD). “The transition of the Human Services Department to the Health Care Authority to centralize purchasing and deliver high quality health care, regulation and policy is in solid hands,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Kari Armijo has spent her entire 23-year career at the Human Services Department, and New Mexico has benefitted from every single day of her service. As we continue this transition to bring the New Mexico Health Care Authority online, Secretary Armijo’s leadership will ensure the continued thriving of state programs and initiatives. Having someone of this caliber and level of...

SANTA FE – Today, the New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed W. Troy Weisler as the 23rd New Mexico State Police Chief. “Chief Weisler has already demonstrated incredible leadership, and public safety will continue to be positively impacted with him at the helm,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Chief Weisler started as a recruit here in New Mexico in 2002 and worked his way up the ranks of the New Mexico State Police until his appointment last June. In the time I have gotten to work with him, I have found him to be incredibly open, and even in times when we may disagree, Chief Weisler has always been willing to work together to come to a place of common understanding,” said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, who sponsored Chief...

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Saturday signed House Bill 141 to increase salaries for New Mexico judges. “I am pleased to be able to assist the Legislature in making this a reality,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Through this bill, we are investing in our current and future workforce.” “We appreciate the support of the governor and the Legislature for this investment in state courts to meet the legal needs of New Mexicans. Improved judicial salaries will help attract mid-career lawyers with a diverse legal background to serve as state court judges,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon. “The governor leaves a lasting legacy for all New Mexicans by signing this legislation to recruit and retain the most qualified,...

SANTA FE – Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed HB 171 into law, a bill that updates high school graduation requirements in New Mexico for the first time in over a decade. “High school should be about preparing students for the real world while providing more opportunities to pursue their unique interests and future careers,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “These changes will lead to more young New Mexicans staying engaged in school, graduating, and continuing that success in their adult lives.” The requirements outlined in HB 171 will impact students entering the ninth grade in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill makes key changes to graduation requirements that better align with New Mexico’s workforce and higher education...

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate failed to pass the bipartisan National Security Supplemental: “Republicans’ sick loyalty to one individual once again has dire consequences for the American people and our allies around the world. “This is not a perfect bill – no piece of legislation is – but if Republicans truly wanted to realize the progress that we desperately need, they would have voted ‘yes’ today. “States like New Mexico that are the most directly affected by this crisis need solutions that encompass both humanitarian and public safety responses and provide resources to border communities. “Instead, Republicans continue to treat border security as a bargaining chip in a...

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Brig. Gen. Jamison Herrera as Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS). Herrera has served as the Acting Secretary of the department since September of last year, while concurrently holding the position of Deputy Adjutant General for the New Mexico National Guard. “Secretary-designate Herrera has already proven his dedication to military service throughout his more than 34 years in the New Mexico National Guard,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “With his extensive military experience, he is well-positioned to advocate for and address the challenges faced by veterans and their families and make sure they receive the services they deserve.” "I am grateful to the...