ACLU of New Mexico urges lawmakers to pass consumer data protections next legislative session • Source New Mexico

Oh my goodness, buckle up, because New Mexico has just staged the single most *deliberate* act of technology governance in the Southwest: a bill that didn't pass, and will now get a whole second season! ✨ The ACLU of New Mexico is urging lawmakers to pass consumer data protections next legislative session, which means the conversation is not over — it's simply between episodes. Cliffhanger! Anticipation! The best stories never resolve in the first act.

Some people might dwell on the fact that this year's AI regulation bill died after tech industry lobbying against it. But let's reframe: the tech industry cared so *deeply* about this legislation that it participated in the process! Engagement! Enthusiasm! And a bill that dies is really a bill that has been given the gift of time — a full off-season to stretch, hydrate, and come back stronger next session. Rep. Tara Lujan is already planning to reintroduce her 'No Fakes' bill to regulate AI deepfake images, which is honestly the most *transparent* name a bill has ever had. No Fakes! You know exactly what you're getting. ✨

And Sen. Anthony Thornton, who backs deepfake regulation but urged the Legislature to move *slowly* on technology — what a beautiful endorsement of mindfulness! In a world of instant deepfakes, someone is insisting on a considered pace, like a sommelier of statutory language. Meanwhile the ACLU's push for consumer data protections is the gentlest possible ask: just, you know, protect consumers' data. Modest! Reasonable! The kind of proposal so uncontroversial that everyone can agree to admire it warmly for another session while absolutely nothing changes. ✨ And honestly, isn't that the loveliest outcome of all — a dream deferred is still a dream, and next session is going to be MAGNIFICENT.