ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque wants more power when it comes to holding bad businesses accountable. Now, a major proposed rule change could help do that. The city wants to get rid of its business registration system in favor of new business licenses. "I do think that this is giving the city a little bit more teeth when it comes to enforcement of bad business," said Albuquerque City Councilor Brook Bassan, who is sponsoring the new proposal by request. Looking to change the rules that Albuquerque businesses play by, the city is now thinking of getting rid of its business registration system—something Bassan said doesn't do much more than put the business in a city director. New Mexico’s struggling with an IV fluid shortage; officials think it might ease up "When there's other companies or other consumers that want to report a business who is not certified, has not gone through the proper permitting process, is not following any of the codes and regulations in the city of Albuquerque, really there's nothing the city can do in order to pull any of their business opportunities," Bassan explained. The city's Planning Department oversees that system. "Albuquerque's current business registration system has significant limitations that have fostered non-compliance primarily due to state-imposed restrictions," said Jeremy Keiser, deputy director of the Planning Department. After years of talk, the city is not considering changing it: "This was something that I think got brought to my attention during 2020 when we had different businesses that were coming to the forefront, that I remember thinking, 'Why don't we just take away their license?'; and I was told and educated by the city that we don't have business licenses here," Bassan stated. She said her proposal to require licenses instead will level the playing field: "That way, when we do have a business who is not complying and not following the rules and regulations that are required for people's safety, and for proper business, the city can go in an remove that license." "Proper regulations will prevent unqualified or fraudulent individuals from operating unlicensed businesses, safeguarding consumers from scams and unsafe practices," Keiser said. Study: Minority-owned businesses thriving in New Mexico If this ordinance passes, it could go into effect in January. Business registration fees are currently $35 dollars; the new proposal would raise that fee to $50 in 2025, $75 in 2026, and $100 in 2027. "Nobody wants to see prices going up. I really try hard not to support many things that the fees will go up, especially if there's not something you can see for it, but in this regard, I think that the $15 dollars is going to be very minimal for even a small small business to be able to pay," Bassan said, "This is not about penalizing the community and the business community; this is about making sure that we actually do something to protect the people that are working hard in their businesses to have them succeed here in Albuquerque."