Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Cobre School Board at its Monday meeting heard from students about the newly acquired 3D printer. The staff and students wrote a grant to receive funding for the printer and materials. If students want to use the printer, they have to write a proposal first as some projects take many hours to print. The Board also heard from Health Kids, Healthy Communities about policy and deadlines for work the Public Education Department would like done.
Luna County will hold a ribbon cutting tomorrow to celebrate the new Alta Luna Solar Project. 108,000 photovoltaic solar panels will supply electricity to the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, including Columbus Electric Cooperative. This project is Tri-State’s second solar project in the state, following the 2010 project in Colfax County.
A Hatch man convicted of sexually molesting a family member in 2006 was sentenced in 3rd Judicial District Court. The 70-year-old man was convicted in December of second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor and third-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor. Though he did not receive the full sentence, Jose De Jesus Cabral will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
In legislative action, the House passed HB 530, a second-attempt bill to open New Mexico to the industrial hemp marketplace following the Governor’s veto of two hemp bills earlier this session.
The House also passed HB 179, the Pregnant Worker Accommodation Act, which ensures pregnant employees can earn a living by having employers make reasonable workplace accommodations for women during pregnancy.
The House of Representatives has voted to ban indoor tanning for people under age 18 and require tanning salons to post notice of health risks. The bill responds to evidence of increased risk of skin cancer, especially among minors exposed to tanning facilities, and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The Senate Public Affairs Committee voted to approve House Bill 45, a bill to expand Baby’ Brianna’s Law so it applies to all children under the age of 18. Currently, individuals convicted of intentional child abuse resulting in death receive a life sentence under Baby Brianna’s Law only if the child victim is under the age of 12.
The Senate voted 34-7 to override the governor’s veto of a bill that would prevent teacher evaluations from being negatively impacted for taking four to ten days of sick leave. The leave is to be used consistently with the policy of the local school board or governing body of the school where the teacher works. A motion is still needed in the House to make the override successful.
