New Mexico Senate passed bills for solar fund and accountants

The New Mexico Senate stayed in session until nearly 1 a.m. on Friday, passing several important bills. The House had finished its work just before 10 p.m. on Thursday after a long debate. One of the key bills passed was House Bill 128, which will create a local solar access fund to give grants for solar energy systems. Other bills included House Bill 296, making it easier for out-of-state accountants to work in New Mexico, and House Bill 101, which allows police to carry firearms at polling places. Another bill, House Bill 255, aimed to prosecute teenagers for voluntary manslaughter as adults, but it failed to pass. This came after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham criticized the legislature for not addressing juvenile crime issues following several high-profile incidents. The House also passed Senate Bill 83, which allocates $10 million to combat climate change through seven state agencies. Additionally, Senate Bill 23 was approved to raise oil and gas royalty rates for the first time in almost 50 years, potentially increasing state revenue by $50 to $75 million each year. Another significant bill, Senate Bill 37, will create a fund for purchasing water rights to support New Mexico's rivers. This fund aims to help with aquifer recharge and benefit recreation and cultural resources. Advocates praised the bill and urged the governor to sign it. The situations surrounding these bills highlight ongoing concerns about climate change, natural resource management, and juvenile crime in the state.