Pubdate: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 2002 Albuquerque Journal Contact: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10 Author: Loie Fecteau 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart