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Committee approves $1 million one-time aid for Rio Communities police department
Summary
The committee voted 5-0 to advance Senate Bill 306, a one-time $1 million appropriation intended to support Rio Communities' newly formed police department for salaries, training and equipment.
The Senate Indian Rural Cultural Affairs Committee voted 5-0 to advance Senate Bill 306, which proposes a one-time appropriation of $1,000,000 to support the Rio Communities Police Department in Valencia County.
Senator Sanchez, presenting for co-sponsor Senator Stefanik, said the appropriation is intended to help the newly formed department hire officers, obtain equipment and stand up operations as the community grows. "This is a good one," Sanchez said, explaining the funds would revert to the general fund if not spent.
Chief Felix Nunez, chief of the Rio Communities Police Department, described the department as the state's newest police agency, operating with two officers plus the chief and handling high call volumes — roughly 280 calls monthly in winter and up to 375–400 in summer. He said Valencia County and neighboring cities cannot reliably cover the community because of growth and staffing limits.
Committee members asked whether the language and title should be edited: Senator Solis queried whether the funds are intended for new departments or to expand existing departments serving growing communities. Senators and the sponsor agreed to work on title and text amendments before finance review to clarify scope. The sponsor said he would coordinate with the bill's primary author to refine wording.
Action: Motion for do-pass carried 5-0 (votes recorded: Maestas — yes; Sanchez — yes; Sherr — yes; Solis — yes; Pinto — yes). The committee advanced the bill to the next step of the legislative process.
