STATE News:

SANTA FE—Tuesday, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee passed Rep. Tim Lewis’s (R-Rio Rancho) comprehensive plan to combat DWI in New Mexico.

His proposal, House Bill 54, would reduce DWI related deaths and injuries on New Mexico’s roads by increasing consequences and closing loopholes for individuals caught driving under the influence.  

HB 54 would make individuals with five or more DWI convictions eligible for prosecution under New Mexico’s habitual offender statute. Lewis’s proposal increases the consequence for drivers convicted of DWI while on a suspended or revoked license from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony. The bill also makes the charge of great bodily harm by vehicle a second-degree felony. 

“I have fought to improve New Mexico’s DWI laws during my entire legislative career,” Rep. Lewis said. “DWI offenders have inflicted too high a price on our state, and we must do more to end DWI in New Mexico. HB 54 includes some common-sense ideas to hold DWI drivers accountable for their reckless actions. I urge my colleagues to approve this legislation and keep dangerous drunk drivers off our roads.” 

The legislation is endorsed by the New Mexico State Police Department, the New Mexico District Attorneys Association, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Sheriffs Association, the New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation.  

HB 54 also has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.