Good will abounded around the Roundhouse on Thursday. No, really – it was Goodwill Industries of New Mexico and Highlands University day, decking the halls in the Rotunda blue and purple.

But just down the stairs, lawmakers were pushing efforts to lay out public safety and behavioral health priorities – and hearing from one of the institutions that will be most impacted: the courts.

Chief Justice David Thomson’s address to lawmakers on the House floor included a notable absence: While members of both chambers were invited, no Senate Republicans attended.

But it wasn’t an intentional snub, said Brandon Harris, the spokesperson for the Senate GOP.

“They went to join the governor at the luncheon sponsored by New Mexico Amigos, an organization that promotes NM business and industry around the country and internationally,” Harris told Source NM in an email.

You can read more about Thomspon’s State of the Judiciary speech here.

The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday afternoon received a basic overview of New Mexico’s civil commitment laws from attorneys Megan Dorsey and Brandon Cummings. The committee’s chair, Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), is carrying a bill that would make it easier for courts to involuntarily commit people. Read more here.

Bill Watch

The governor signed the “feed bill” Thursday evening, which appropriates $68.75 million for the costs of the current legislative session.

Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) brought forward her three climate bills, including Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act, which sets pollution reduction goals into law – reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% in 2030 and net-zero by 2050 –  and asks for $3 million to implement the program. Clear Horizons heads for the Senate Conservation Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 28, for a 9 a.m. hearing.

Stewart also released Senate Bill 48 to provide $340 million in grant funding for local communities to reduce pollution or mitigate impacts from climate change,and Senate Bill 83 which requests $10 million for assisting state agencies reduce emissions.

Speaking of climate disasters, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are working to address home insurance in the wake of disasters. Read more here.

A good bolo

Joey Jimenez Jr. is a social worker and administrative assistant at the Center for Excellence in Social work at Highlands University.

Jimenez (Akimel O’odham/Pueblo of Isleta/Mexicano), grew up in Arizona, and said he enteredsocial work because of a “desire to be helpful and to be of service.” Now he supports social work students at Highlands University, as well as professional social workers around the state by connecting them to resources and further training.

For anyone considering social work, Jimenez had this to say: “You’re definitely wanted and needed; if you enjoy being of service to others, this is the profession for you.”

Lawmakers are pushing for behavioral health expansions this session, which has included some bills relating to social work. For example, House Bill 52, from Miguel García (D-Albuquerque) would offer health care workers such as social workers in rural New Mexico to receive a $3,000 state tax credit. A request in House Bill 2 would allocate $2 million in grants through the Department of Public Safety for municipalities and tribal communities to spend on diversion, mental health programs, crisis intervention and social work training.

Last year, lawmakers appropriated $10 million for the Department of Higher Education to spend on expanding social worker enrollment. Another $3.5 million went to the Children, Youth and Families Department to retain and recruit social workers.

Looking ahead

The Roundhouse may look more like a ghost town, as lawmakers appear to be ending the week a little early. Neither the Senate nor the House will meet on the floor Friday.