DRUG REFORM BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

SANTA FE - Gov. Gary Johnson on Friday signed into law several drug reform
bills, which he called "steps in reducing the harm caused by the failed war
on drugs."

"These will make a difference in the lives of New Mexicans," said Johnson,
who has gained national attention for his crusade to reform drug laws. "I
think this legislation will result in less death, disease and crime."

The measures signed by Johnson:

* Grant judges more discretion in sentencing nonviolent habitual offenders.
Sponsored by Rep. Ken Martinez, D-Grants, it takes effect July 1.

* Reform the state's asset forfeiture law to protect innocent property
owners in drug-related cases. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Manny
Aragon, D-Albuquerque, it takes effect July 1.

* Allow convicted felons in drug cases to receive federal assistance, such
as food stamps. Sponsored by Rep. Joe Thompson, R-Albuquerque, and Sen.
Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, it takes effect May 15.

* Create a seven-member commission with the power to consider early release
from prison of certain nonviolent drug offenders. Sponsored by Rep. Mimi
Stewart, D-Albuquerque, it takes effect May 15.

Johnson said he was disappointed that the Legislature had failed to approve
his proposals to decriminalize up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use
and to allow certain patients suffering from AIDS, cancer and other
terminal illnesses to use marijuana for medical purposes.

Johnson, a Republican whose drug stance has angered some in his party,
thanked former Democratic Gov. Toney Anaya for his work in lobbying for the
drug reform measures and Stewart for sponsoring the prison commission bill.
Anaya and Stewart sat beside Johnson while he signed the bills in his
Cabinet room.

Anaya, who served as governor from 1983-86, said he wished he had done more
to push for drug reform when he was in office. Anaya said Johnson deserves
credit "for raising the issue that had to be raised."

"Your raising the issue of drug reform has forced the Legislature, has
forced New Mexicans, generally, to start focusing on an issue that had
really been taboo in terms of even discussing it," Anaya told Johnson, who
is in the final year of his eight years in office.

Johnson said he was sorry he had vetoed a previous asset-forfeiture reform
measure approved by the Democrat-controlled Legislature.