The bill amends New Mexico laws concerning driving under the influence (DUI) by expanding the list of medical professionals authorized to perform blood tests for chemical analysis. It allows emergency medical technicians, certified phlebotomists, and hospital technologists to withdraw blood, while also providing them with legal protections against civil or criminal liability, except in cases of negligence. Additionally, the bill enhances penalties for individuals who refuse chemical testing, leading to aggravated charges and potential revocation of driving privileges based on specific criteria, including age and prior offenses.
Moreover, the bill introduces new definitions related to cannabis and amends the Boating While Intoxicated Act to clarify who is qualified to conduct chemical blood tests. It establishes a process for revoking driving privileges based on a law enforcement officer's signed statement and the results of chemical testing. The overall aim of the bill is to strengthen DUI enforcement and improve public safety by ensuring that medical professionals can effectively administer tests while providing clear guidelines for the revocation of driving privileges.
Statutes affected: introduced version: 66-8-102, 66-8-103, 66-8-104, 66-8-111, 66-8-111.1, 66-13-6, 66-13-7