Still, very weak Legislation on DWI……..so very weak and sad………Where is the guts to stand in the gap for life and not drunks that kill???!!!??!! Unfinished business!!!
Updates on the last day from the Roundhouse from the New Mexico Republican House Caucus:
Bill to Crack Down on Repeat DWI Offenders & DWI Vehicular Homicide Sent to Governor’s Desk
Santa Fe, NM – Legislation to crack down on repeat DWI offenders and those convicted of DWI vehicular homicide was sent to Governor Susana Martinez for her signature. Senate Bill 118, sponsored by Representative Sarah Maestas Barnes (R) and Senator George Munoz (D), passed the Senate on a 34-2 vote and the House of Representatives on a 53-12 vote.
“Our current laws are not doing enough to protect New Mexicans from those who drive under the influence,” said Representative Maestas Barnes. “Passing this legislation is a step in the right direction to detour those tempted to drive while under the influence, as well as diminish the related DWI deaths in our state.”
The legislation would increase the punishment for individuals convicted of eight and subsequent DWIs by making it a second-degree felony, which would make the offender eligible for a 12-year sentence, 10-years of which could not be deferred or suspended. The legislation would also elevate vehicular homicide while under the influence to a second-degree felony and would allow judges to sentence offenders up to 12 years in prison. The legislation significantly increases penalties from the current law which is a third-degree felony punishable up to 6 years in prison.
Bill Increasing Child Pornography Penalties Passes New Mexico Legislature
Santa Fe, NM – House Bill 65, which would increase penalties for possession, distribution or manufacturing of child pornography, was sent to the Governor’s desk. The bill, sponsored by Representative Sarah Maestas Barnes, passed out of the Senate on a 40-0 vote and from the House of Representatives on a 64-0 vote. The bipartisan bill was co-sponsored by Representatives Randall Crowder (R) and Javier Martinez (D).
“I am grateful that the New Mexico legislature voted in a bipartisan manner to protect infants, children and adolescents from the most heinous acts of sexual exploitation,” said Representative Sarah Maestas Barnes. “I have worked hard this session, with many stakeholders, including Governor Martinez and Senate Floor Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, to enhance penalties for manufacturing, distribution and possession of child pornography, because protecting our children is a top priority.”
The legislation was amended to increase the penalty for possession of child pornography from a maximum of 18 months to a maximum of 10 years in prison. It also increases distribution from a maximum of 3 years to 11 years and manufacturing from a maximum of 9 years to 12 years. An enhancement sentencing provision that was also included added an extra year in prison for possession of an image or video depicting a child under 13 years old.
Legislation to Regulate Ridesharing Companies Sent to Governor’s Desk
Santa Fe, NM – Legislation, sponsored by Rep. Monica Youngblood, clarifying regulations to allow ridesharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, to operate in New Mexico will be sent the Governor’s desk for her consideration. The House of Representatives concurred with House Bill 168 and Senate Bill 254 on a vote of 63-4.
“Ridesharing companies are the future of transportation. I am extremely happy that this bill will be sent to the Governor for her signature,” Youngblood said. “By properly regulating companies like Uber and Lyft we are giving New Mexicans another option for securing safe rides home.”
Transportation network companies (TNCs) are using technologies and creating opportunities that did not exist a few years ago. New Mexico’s regulations have not kept pace with these innovative ride-sharing services, and an act to allow TNCs to operate in the state legally is needed.
The provisions included in the bill will bring more safe and reliable transportation options to the state and provide jobs for New Mexicans. This legislation would clarify regulations in New Mexico and codify the highest safety standards for TNCs and ridesharing services, while at the same time giving New Mexicans better transportation options.
The bill would also require ridesharing companies to conduct rigorous background checks on drivers. Drivers and companies would need to obtain adequate insurance coverage in case of accident or injury as well.
Jaydon’s Law Sent to Governor’s Desk
Santa Fe, NM — Legislation to give judges access to the full criminal histories of violent repeat offenders is on its way to Governor Susana Martinez.
House Bill 72, also known as “Jaydon’s Law,” unanimously passed the Senate this morning . The bill is named for Jaydon Chavez-Silver, an Albuquerque teen who was killed during a drive-by shooting while at a house party. It will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.
“I’m pleased the Senate has shown unanimous support for this improvement to the law,” Gentry said. “Jaydon’s family understood the importance of this bill, and they have dedicated themselves to get it passed. Because of their efforts, judges will now have the information they need to make more informed pre-trial release decisions.”
Nicole Chavez, the mother of Jaydon Chavez-Silver, issued the following statement after the Senate’s approval:
“I am very thankful that this important bill passed this legislative session. I appreciate all the work that Rep. Gentry has done to help the bill through the process. To see something positive come from Jaydon’s tragedy is all I hoped for.”