SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed
Senate Bill 199, legislation that expands funding for the Department of Finance and Administration's (DFA) Local DWI Grant Program.

"While the revenues going toward the Local DWI Grant Program have increased, money appropriated for administration has simply not kept up," said Sen. Leo Jaramillo, sponsor of SB 199. "By increasing this funding stream, we will see improved operations and better support for these important local DWI Programs, enhancing services for clients and ultimately making our communities safer and healthier. I extend my sincere gratitude to the governor for signing this bill into law."

"I am confident the enactment of Senate Bill 199 will help save lives," said Rep. Cathrynn N. Brown floor sponsor of SB 199. "Every local DWI program will be further supported and endowed with more tools and measures to combat DWI.

The new law increases the program's administrative cap, nearly doubling the resources available to support DWI prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts across all 33 counties in New Mexico. This funding boost will strengthen local programs aimed at reducing DWI incidents, alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and alcohol-related domestic violence throughout the state.

"The local DWI program supports communities in their fight against impaired driving and alcohol-related harm and this law gives DFA the boost to better help our local governments," said DFA Local Government Director Cecilia Mavrommatis.

The Local DWI Grant Program, funded through existing tax revenues, provides financial support to counties for prevention, screening, treatment, and enforcement initiatives. The program plays a vital role in combating impaired driving and its associated dangers, ensuring that communities have the tools they need to protect residents and save lives.