The bill amends New Mexico's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) of intoxicating substances, specifically addressing blood testing procedures and the qualifications of medical professionals authorized to conduct these tests. It introduces provisions that permit emergency medical technicians, certified phlebotomists, and hospital or physician technologists to withdraw blood for chemical testing, while also granting them legal immunity from civil or criminal liability when performing these tasks under law enforcement direction, except in cases of negligence. Additionally, the bill enhances penalties for DUI offenses, particularly for individuals who refuse chemical testing, and outlines the conditions under which a driver's license may be revoked, especially in cases involving great bodily injury or felony offenses.

Moreover, the bill revises various sections of the New Mexico Statutes concerning the revocation of driving privileges for DUI arrests, allowing law enforcement officers to revoke licenses based on a signed statement indicating reasonable grounds for the arrest and chemical test results. It specifies revocation durations based on the individual's age and prior offenses, while also defining "cannabis" and detailing the parameters for chemical testing. Key changes include the removal of gender-specific language to promote inclusivity and a clearer definition of cannabis and its extracts, which aids in enforcement. The bill emphasizes the responsibilities of law enforcement in the testing process and the repercussions for providing false statements, ultimately aiming to improve the clarity and effectiveness of DUI laws while ensuring equitable treatment for all individuals.

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