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Published: 26 February 2013 26 February 2013

Santa Fe, NM – House Bill 395, the “24/7 Sobriety Act,” passed out of the House Transportation Committee today. HB 395, introduced by Representative Emily Kane (D-Bernalillo-15), intends to address the serious issue with repeat DWI convictions in New Mexico and overcrowding in our correctional facilities. HB 395 passed the House Transportation Committee with a unanimous vote.
 
This legislation will expand the tools available to law enforcement agencies to curb DWI offenses and is modeled off programs proven effective in other states. HB 365 encourages the coordination of efforts among courts, agencies as well as state and local governments to implement alternatives to incarceration. It authorizes court-ordered participation at the expense of the offender to ensure sobriety as a condition of bond or as an alternative to jail time.
 
“I am excited about the progress the 24/7 Sobriety Act has made in today’s committee,” said Rep Kane. “Everyone elected to serve in Santa Fe, knows we have a serious problem in New Mexico with DWI and we have to do something about it. But we cannot keep trying the same thing and expect different results. It is time we look at new solutions and I believe this bill will give new tools to our courts and law enforcement to improve public safety.”
 
You can click here to hear Representative Kane speak about the “24/7 Sobriety Act.”