Cockfighting ban might be placed on fast track

A bill that would outlaw cockfighting in New Mexico will likely get its first hearing this week or next week, and might be placed on a fast track so the Senate can get on with other business.

Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, D-Doña Ana and sponsor of Senate Bill 10, held a news conference this morning with the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, which announced its support for the state ban on cockfighting.

The bill has been assigned to the Senate Conservation Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Phil Griego, D-San Jose and an opponent of the cockfighting ban. Garcia said Griego has pledged to hold a hearing on the bill later this week or next week and to give it a fair hearing.

Griego is under a lot of pressure, as Gov. Bill Richardson and many Senate leaders are supporting Garcia’s bill.

But Garcia said the bill might bypass Griego’s committee altogether. Some Senate leaders are suggesting that the bill be considered in a committee-of-the-whole session, which would allow it to bypass the committee process. If that becomes a reality, such a session might be held early next week, Garcia said.

“We need to do this quickly and get it out of the way. We have so many other issues,” Garcia said. “Everybody seems to want to expedite it, as do I.”

Most believe that, because of the governor’s support, the cockfighting ban will be approved this year. That won’t come before spirited debate in front of a large audience. For years, Garcia’s proposed cockfighting ban has been a hot topic that draws hundreds to Santa Fe.

If the proposal passes the Senate, it will go the House for consideration.