Thursday’s Five Facts
[1] Potential changes to Albuquerque zoning code moves forward – It was another lengthy discussion over a proposed update to Albuquerque’s zoning code. The measure is moving on, but with some major changes. The Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee advanced a revamped Integrated Development Ordinance by a slim margin on Wednesday evening.
[2] Bill would increase penalty for attacking a police officer in New Mexico – Lawmakers are continuing to push for harsher sentencing for those who shoot police officers. This is the second time a bill of this nature has been proposed. Last time the bill came up in the Roundhouse, it died in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Now, House Bill 61 looks to redefine aggravated battery on a police officer from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. This would change the maximum sentence from three to nine years. The bill passed its most recent committee hearing and is now heading to the House Judiciary Committee, where it will be voted on again.
[3] Seasonable to mild Thursday ahead throughout New Mexico – Many of us are waking up to chilly low temperatures in the teens, 20s, and 30s. So far, Gallup is the big winner for the coldest spot in the state with a low temperature of just 8 degrees. Wind gusts in northeast New Mexico this morning are breezy, reaching the mid 20s. Throughout Thursday, breezy winds will persist in eastern New Mexico, where wind gusts may range from 25 to 35 mph. This will be from a weaker backdoor cold front rolling through. Regardless, some of our eastern counties will still be trending cooler as we approach the weekend compared to the rest of New Mexico…