Latest news with #DavidGallegos
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill that would lower cap for medical malpractice cases fails in legislature
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A bill aimed at lowering the cap for medical malpractice failed to move through the Roundhouse. In 2020, lawmakers raised the state's medical malpractice cap to $5 million for hospitals, and $750,000 for doctors. Some believe the high caps led to such high insurance rates that doctors left New Mexico in droves. New Mexico Senate passes bill aimed at bringing more oversight to CYFD Senate Bill 176 aimed to lower those caps in an effort to keep doctors in the state. In the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, people debated the issue with supporters noting the diverse and broad support of the 23 sponsors. 'Even with a balanced bill, it's still hard for us to protect our doctors. I think we'll feel this for years to come,' said Sen. David Gallegos (R-Eddy & Lea Counties).'I agree that we need to ensure that we are recruiting and retaining medical professionals…But I just do not agree with the way the bill is written and I want to ensure the voices of patients are at the table when these things are being crafted,' said Sen. Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo & Sandoval Counties.) The bill failed in a 5-4 vote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Mexico Senate passes bill aimed at bringing more oversight to CYFD
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – After hours of debate and seven amendments, the New Mexico Senate passed a bill bringing more oversight to the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. 'The institution of CYFD needs all the help it can get and I'm hoping today we pass good legislation to help get that started. After hours of discussion and amendments, the Senate passed House Bill 5, which would create an Office of Child Advocacy within the New Mexico Department of Justice to oversee CYFD. New Mexico lawmakers look to strengthen regulations on hemp products Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has opposed this bill. Others on Friday supported oversight but expressed concern about whether this new office was the right way to fix the embattled agency. 'I just can't get my mind wrapped around a layer of government overseeing another layer of government, telling another layer of government that they're not doing their job. That's why in my mind we needed something that truly rebuilt CYFD,' said Sen. David Gallegos, (R-Lea & Eddy Counties.) Ultimately, House Bill 5 passed the Senate 28-13. It now heads back to the House chamber. If the House agrees with the changes made by the Senate, it will head to the governor's desk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.