Legislation To Expand State’s Voyeurism Law Passes House Floor With Unanimous Vote

Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Legislation that would crack down on sexual predators attempting to secretly view or record a person’s intimate areas has passed the House floor by a bipartisan vote of 59-5.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage, R-San Juan County, will now go the State Senate. 

“We have the right to our privacy and must make sure these rights are protected,” said Clahchischilliage, of Kirtland, the bill’s sponsor. “This legislation will help protect New Mexico’s families from predators. I look forward to a vote by the Senate.”

Current law fails to bring justice to predators who, despite their best effort to view or record the victim, fail to do so.

Under the current law, voyeurism is defined as viewing, photographing, videotaping, filming, webcasting or recording the intimate areas of another person without their knowledge. It is a fourth-degree felony when the victim is a minor and a misdemeanor when the victim is over 18. Attempting to commit voyeurism, however, is only a misdemeanor when the victim is a minor, and there is no punishment when the victim is over 18.

The proposed legislation would change the definition of voyeurism to include attempting to secretly view or record a person’s intimate parts.

“I am glad the House voted on the side of more privacy for our people,” Clahchischilliage said.

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