CCD Enforcement Bureau Proposed: A look at New Mexico’s 57th legislature Session
Since 2023, New Mexico’s CCD has faced significant struggles enforcing laws. Lacking the authority to arrest violators, seize illegal products, or investigate swiftly, the CCD’s oversight has been reactive rather than proactive. House Bill 10 (HB0010), introduced in 2025, seeks to transform this dynamic by establishing a specialized Enforcement Bureau within the Regulation and Licensing Department.
What is HB0010?
Under HB0010, the Enforcement Bureau will be staffed by certified law enforcement officers with full authority to arrest, conduct warrantless searches, and seize illegal products. This addresses the CCD’s critical need for timely and effective enforcement capabilities. The bureau will also have the power to embargo and recall unsafe or misbranded products, protecting public health while halting non-compliant businesses in their tracks.
Funding, Training, and Fines
The legislation doesn’t stop at enforcement powers. It allocates $1.5 million in funding to equip the bureau with necessary resources, including training for agents in regulations, laboratory testing capabilities, and equipment for investigations. Additionally, the bureau will collaborate with other state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to enhance regulatory oversight.
Perhaps most crucially, HB0010 sets clear penalties for violations. Tampering with embargoed products or selling recalled items will result in felony charges, while administrative actions like license suspensions and fines up to $10,000 per violation will act as powerful deterrents.
Conclusion
By empowering the Enforcement Bureau with authority, funding, and clear legal tools, HB0010 positions New Mexico to close critical enforcement gaps. The Question is would more enforcement help license holders, or is CCD overstepping boundaries?
Between so many license holders rooted in the traditional market, and many New Mexico Agencies such as CYFD, BCSO, and APD struggling with internal scandals and corruption, it is easy to understand why many New Mexicans would be against more enforcement powers.
What do you think?
