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Roosevelt County Commission approves three resolutions opposing state bills, plans letter on malpractice cap
Summary
The Roosevelt County Commission voted to adopt three resolutions opposing House Bill 9, Senate Bill 17 and Senate Bill 18 and discussed drafting a letter to the governor opposing House Bill 99, a proposed medical malpractice cap that commissioners said could hurt rural hospitals in Portales and Clovis. The malpractice item will be placed on the next agenda for formal consideration.
The Roosevelt County Commission voted to adopt three resolutions opposing state legislation and discussed sending a letter to the governor opposing a separate malpractice bill that commissioners said could harm rural hospitals.
At the start of the meeting the commission approved Resolution 2026-07, opposing House Bill 9 (the Immigrant Safety Act). A motion to approve was made and seconded and, because Commissioner Criswell participated by phone, the chair called a roll leaving the record with five yes votes; the chair announced that the resolution passed.
The commission then approved Resolution 2026-08, opposing Senate Bill 17, described in the meeting packet as legislation to stop illegal gun trade and regulate extremely dangerous weapons. Commissioners moved, seconded and recorded affirmative roll-call votes. The commission followed with Resolution 2026-09, opposing Senate Bill 18, statewide greenhouse gas emission limits; that motion likewise carried.
Commissioner Criswell, participating by phone, raised a separate, off-agenda concern about House Bill 99, which he characterized as a medical malpractice cap. “Anyway, we need to be in opposition of that bill. And then and I feel like it's gonna be extremely hurt on our rural hospital here in Portales and Clovis and surrounding areas,” Commissioner Criswell said. Commissioners agreed they could not vote on the item because it was not on the published agenda but discussed how to respond.
A commissioner suggested asking the county manager to draft a letter for the commissioners to sign and submit to the governor. A staff member offered assistance drafting the letter and the commission directed that the malpractice matter be placed on the next meeting agenda for formal consideration and possible ratification.
The chair also asked about the status of a personnel policy resolution. A staff member said they had spoken with Mr. Van Bleyke and expected updated personnel policy material to be provided “in the pretty near future.”
The meeting concluded with the chair adjourning after routine closing remarks.
