GOVERNOR SIGNS DRUG REFORM BILLS

Gov. Gary Johnson has signed into law the last of his drug reform
legacy, changes he said would lessen the harm caused by the nation's
failed war on drugs.

The Republican governor acknowledged his disappointment that
lawmakers never agreed to legalize marijuana for critically ill
patients, or to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of that
drug.

``But, being a realist, I'm glad we got the ones we got,'' he said at
a news conference on Friday.

Johnson, who leaves office in December, made drug reform a big
priority during his second term, gaining national attention.

His major proposals polarized Republicans and found scant support
among Democrats, with whom he has warred on many issues.

Former Gov. Toney Anaya, a Democrat who lobbied for Johnson's drug
proposals, credited the GOP governor for forcing New Mexicans to
confront an issue that ``had really been taboo.''

``I would hope that future Legislatures, future governors, will step
up to the plate and complete the work that has been started here,''
Anaya said.

Johnson signed bills that:

- -Tighten up the state law on asset forfeiture to require that
offenders be convicted of a crime before the government can
permanently seize their property.

- -Give judges more discretion in sentencing nonviolent repeat offenders.

- -Allow drug offenders who have completed their sentences to be
immediately eligible for welfare-to-work benefits, rather than having
to wait five years.

- -Establish a commission and an emergency procedure for the early
release of nonviolent offenders to help ease prison overcrowding.