Historic NM Civil Rights Act Passes Committee

Category: NM Legislative Session 2021 NM Legislative Session 2021
Published: 25 January 2021 25 January 2021

Bill would guarantee New Mexicans fair, just, and equal treatment under the law, regardless of race or background

Santa Fe, N.M. – This morning, the historic New Mexico Civil Rights Act passed the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee (HSEIC). 

Following recent tragedies and feedback from New Mexico communities, House Bill 4 was introduced by sponsors Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D - Sante Fe) and Rep. Georgene Louis (D - Albuquerque). The bill creates a legal pathway for New Mexicans to bring claims in state court against public officials who violate their civil rights. The bill also dictates that “qualified immunity,” a federal legal doctrine that makes it nearly impossible to successfully pursue legal action against public officials, cannot be a defense to claims brought under the Act. 

“If you suffer a violation of your rights or are a victim of wrongdoing, you deserve your day in court. Right now, New Mexico law says you don’t get one,” said Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D - Sante Fe). “The Civil Rights Act seeks to change that by making enforceable the rights guaranteed to New Mexicans in the state constitution.” 

House Bill 4 would also help public officials and law enforcement do their jobs more effectively. It would act as an incentive for government entities to embrace the training, oversight and accountability policies necessary to protect New Mexico communities and prevent the abuse of authority.

“Our brave law enforcement officers often face dangerous and uncertain circumstances in the line of duty,” said Rep. Georgene Louis (D - Albuquerque). “Enhancing the accountability of public officials strengthens the rule of law and builds trust between communities and those sworn to protect and serve them.”

House Bill 4 passed the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee with a 5-3 vote and will now advance to the House Judiciary Committee. 

Members of the public can access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the New Mexico Legislature website on the Webcasts tab. The Roundhouse will be closed to the public for the entirety of the 2021 session to curtail the potential spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. 

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.