Rep. Dennis Roch

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Legislation that would significantly reduce workers’ compensation in cases when the employee’s death or injury is the result of being drunk or high on the job passed the House floor by a bi-partisan 64-2.

“Being high or drunk on the job is reckless and puts lives at risk,” said Republican Rep. Dennis Roch, who is sponsoring the bill. “Passing this legislation protects our workers and holds violators accountable for their actions.”

Currently, when alcohol or drugs contributes to injury or death, the employee is eligible to receive 90 percent of his or her worker compensation. Under the new legislation, however, their worker compensation would be significantly decreased anywhere between 10 percent and 90 percent.

“I hope to see this commonsense legislation enacted,” Roch added.

An overwhelming majority of New Mexicans support this type of legislation. In September, an Albuquerque Journal poll found that 67 percent of New Mexicans support reducing workers compensation when drugs or alcohol results in injury or death. The poll found that 63 percent of Democrats and 72 percent of Republicans support it.