Days remaining in session: 21

Memo from Santa Fe to Albuquerque: We want the crime lab here.

House Speaker Ben Luján, D-Nambé, is sponsoring House Bill 352, which would appropriate $1 million to start planning a crime lab in Santa Fe instead of in the Duke City.

In past years, some Albuquerque lawmakers have pushed for the new lab to be located at The University of New Mexico.

But that's not what top law-enforcement officials have in mind. "We never asked for it to be in Albuquerque," said Department of Public Safety Secretary John Denko. "We're asking for it to be in Santa Fe."

The lab will cost about $35 million to build. The department hopes it will be located adjacent to its current headquarters in south Santa Fe.

More penalties for white collar crooks: Sen. John Grubesic, D-Santa Fe, is carrying a measure that would beef up penalties for errant public officials.

Senate Bill 338 would add a new section to the Criminal Sentencing Act that would provide when a public official is convicted for an offense that "relates to, arises out of or is in connection" with their public office, his or her sentence would be increased by an additional fine. The fine could be up to the amount of the official's salary and benefits.

Today could be the day: Or it might be tomorrow. Or next Thursday.

A measure to extend the same rights that married partners have to domestic partners is on the speaker's table in the House. It's already cleared all of its committee assignments. That means the measure, House Bill 9, could come up for debate at any moment on the House floor.

Health care moving: While one key part of Gov. Bill Richardson's health care plan is still in its first committee, another is moving ahead.

A measure to make medical records available online, House Bill 37 — sponsored by Rep. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe — has passed the House Health and Government Affairs Committee.

Members of the same committee, meanwhile, took about two hours of testimony on House Bill 62, the main part of Richardson's agenda, but are delaying action until they can hear about competing bills. (See related story on this page.)

Looking ahead: The House Health and Government Affairs Committee meets again today to consider a competing health care measure, House Bill 147. The committee will also meet Saturday to take up another competing health care proposal, House Bill 214.

• Several state and national Hispanic groups today will announce their support for Senate Bill 260, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, which would establish a Department of Hispanic Affairs. A news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.
  

• Members of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence today will rally in support of a request to increase funding to domestic violence programs by $3 million. Current funding for domestic violence programs won't allow providers to continue services already in place, according to the coalition. First lady Barbara Richardson is among the scheduled speakers in the Capitol Rotunda this morning.
  

• The New Mexico Dental Association will offer free dental screenings for all children at the Roundhouse from 8 a.m. to noon Friday. Dentists also will provide information about proper dental health care and a free goodie bag containing a Crest spin brush, toothpaste and other health care products. A drawing for the chance to win prizes will also be held.
  

Quotes of the day: "Everyone up here was a strong supporter of Governor Richardson." — Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque, speaking at a rally for Sen. Barack Obama outside the Capitol.

"No we weren't!" — Catherine Joyce-Coll, wife of former Rep. Max Coll of Santa Fe, responding to Park at the Obama rally.


ON OUR WEB SITE

Follow legislative coverage at www.santafenewmexican.com/legislature/, with updates throughout the day, reader comments and a resource guide with essential links. Visit Kate Nash's and Steve Terrell's blogs at www.santafenewmexican.com.