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Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 11 August 2017 11 August 2017

Santa Fe, NM – Today, the Santa Fe District Court ruled against the Governor's unconstitutional vetoes of 10 bills that were passed during the 2017 regular legislative session, stating they should become law. The vetoed bills included HB 144, which would open New Mexico to the booming industrial hemp market, SB 134, allowing computer science courses to contribute towards a student's success in graduation, and HB 126, bill providing financial assistance to medical students.

"This case was about computer science opportunities for school kids, economic development in agriculture, and defending the state's constitution," stated House Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) "Today's ruling is a victory for our youth, our farmers, our communities and our constitution."

"New Mexico agriculture will benefit immensely from the legalization of industrial hemp, providing our farmers and researchers with the ability to enter a billion dollar market that's been experiencing tremendous growth nationwide," said Representative and HB 144 sponsor Bill Gomez (D-La Mesa). "If this bill is chaptered into law, it is only a matter of time before our state benefits from versatility and marketability of industrial hemp."

"It is a relief to know that our students can now study computer science and have it contributes towards their graduation requirements," stated Representative and SB 134 co-sponsor Debbie Sariñana (D-Albuquerque). "Providing our students the tools they need to achieve their full potential is critical to the success of our state."

"Nothing is more important to the prosperity of our state than the health and well-being of New Mexicans," stated Representative and HB 126 sponsor, Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces). "Getting this bill chaptered into law means that medical students will have an added incentive to practice in areas where there just aren't enough medical providers."

At dispute was the fact that no objections were included in the governor's original veto messages of all 10 bills – a constitutional requirement. A full listing of the vetoed bills can be viewed here.