I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
A bill that would allow treatment instead of jail time for those charged with drug possession failed in the House on Friday by a vote of 37-33. There are a lot of conditions, but assuming a defendant is willing and can pay for it, they would have the option of serving time in treatment instead of 18 months in jail.
“The defendant has to take responsibility for their treatment,” said Rep. Antonio “Mo” Maestas, D-Albuquerque, the sponsor of the bill. What it would/would’ve done is give those charged with possession the chance to go to treatment before a trial or plea deal. Defendants would have to pay for the treatment themselves and if they don’t complete it, they will again face the charges.
“This is about community, this about families and this is about ending the cycle of drug addiction,” Maestas said.
As the House was casting votes it looked initially like the measure would pass, when the final vote total came in Rep. Maestas groaned loudly and quickly left the chamber. He returned shortly thereafter.
