SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Security fencing and state police checkpoints no longer encircle New Mexico state capitol buildings.
The added security was put in place after the Jan. 6 riots in Washington D.C. and cost at least $700,000. State Police checkpoints began to disappear earlier this month as the state's annual legislative session came to a close. A security fence started coming down on Saturday.
Legislators are set to convene this week to pass bills that would legalize recreational cannabis. The capitol buildings that house legislative chambers will continue to be closed to the public due to the pandemic.