STATE News:SANTA FE ― Monday, Feb. 1, legislation to help address New Mexico’s DWI problem passed the House Judiciary Committee by a unanimous, 9-0 vote.
House Bill 81, sponsored by Rep. Paul Pacheco, will toughen the punishment for DWI offenders who continue to get in the driver’s seat after their licenses have been suspended or revoked.
“Recent studies show that we need stricter DWI laws,” Pacheco said. “There is no question in my mind that habitual DWI offenders need tougher punishments. People who continue to get behind the wheel even when their license is suspended or revoked should face tougher penalties.”
Pacheco’s proposal would make it a fourth-degree felony to be charged with a DWI while driving with a license that has already been revoked or suspended for a prior DWI offense.
If passed, the bill would also increase punishments for individuals who lend their car to someone with a revoked or suspended license due to DWI.
