Santa Fe, NM - A bill sponsored by Rep. Paul Pacheco aimed at helping to address New Mexico's DWI problem passed the House Floor by a 39 to 26 vote today. House Bill 81 (as amended) will toughen the penalties for DWI offenders who continue to get in the driver's seat after their licenses have been suspended or revoked.
GÇ£We're one step closer to toughening up our DWI laws,GÇ¥ Pacheco said. GÇ£Drunk drivers who continue to get behind the wheel even after their license has been revoked or suspended due to a previous DWI are a danger to New Mexico families. I hope the Senate will agree and put this bill on the Governor's desk.GÇ¥
The bill would make it a fourth-degree felony to be charged with a DWI while driving with a license that has already been revoked or suspended because of a prior DWI offense.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.