Rep. Sarah Maestas BarnesLEGISLATIVE News:
SANTA FE — The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee passed House Bill 71, legislation sponsored by Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes (R-Albuquerque) Tuesday afternoon, to close a loophole in the current law and help law enforcement officers stop people who are driving under the influence in New Mexico.
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces) and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Albuquerque).
HB 71 would allow law enforcement officers to obtain warrants for blood tests when individuals are suspected of any driving under the influence, including misdemeanor DWI offenses.
Currently, officers can only obtain warrants for blood tests in DWI incidents involving felonies, great bodily injury, or death.
New Mexico is one of only a few states that do not allow officers to obtain warrants for DWI blood tests in misdemeanor cases. Most DWI offenses are misdemeanors.
The bill is especially important to combat drugged driving on New Mexico’s roadways. Breath tests will not detect if a person is driving under the influence of drugs.
“We must do more to stop this alcohol and drug epidemic in New Mexico,” Maestas Barnes said. “This bill will provide our law enforcement officers with the tools they need to hold DWI violators accountable and prevent these offenders from gaming the system.”
Maestas Barnes sponsored a similar bill last year. It passed the House on a 65 to 0 vote and was endorsed by two Senate committees, but it was left on the Senate floor calendar when the session ended.
HB 71 has also been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.