Senators Sharer and Neville

 

Senators Sharer and Neville presented the recent topics on bills and action taken in the legislature during the 30 day session in 2016.  The House of Representatives voted 65-1 during the legislative session to approve a Senate-amended bill, HB 99.  Under the legislation, New Mexico would issue Real ID-compliant licenses to any citizens or others with legal presence who wanted them and could provide the required documentation. Driving authorization cards – which could not be used for official federal purposes – would be issued to undocumented immigrants and any citizens who wanted them.  The plan is that New Mexicans who want to be Real ID-compliant would keep their current licenses until they expired – or until 2020, whichever came first – and then get new licenses.

 

Gov. Susana Martinez announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security OK’d the extension through Oct. 10 of this year.

This occurred following the Legislature’s recent passage of a bill to bring the state into compliance with the stricter identification requirements of Real ID.  The bill is awaiting action by Martinez, who has told federal officials she will sign it. The deadline for signing or vetoing bills passed during the 30-day session that ended last week is March 9. http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=%20%2099&year=16

 

A second topic was on the bill introduced by Senator Neville.  This will allow recreational off-highway and all terrain vehicles to drive on paved roads.

 

Another bill related to child exploitation was introduced during the 2016 session.