New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) has signed 17 Indian bills into law as of last week, according to the state's Indian Affairs Department.

In the first session of the 47th Legislature, Richardson signed 12 bills from the Senate and 5 bills from the House. They affect everything from emergency funds to health care to Indian child welfare to economic development.

Richardson took office in 2003. Since then, he has elevated Indian Affairs to a Cabinet level, signed executive orders respecting sacred sites and tribal sovereignty and has hired and appointed a record number of tribal members to state offices.

Relevant Documents:
Indian Bills Signed into Law (April 2005)

Relevant Links: New Mexico Indian Affairs Department - http://www.state.nm.us/oia

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