The bill amends the definition of perjury in New Mexico law to include knowingly making a false statement during legislative proceedings, regardless of whether the statement is made under oath, affirmation, or penalty of perjury. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that states that a false statement made in response to a request for testimony in any legislative proceeding constitutes perjury. This addition aims to enhance accountability and integrity in legislative processes.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the new perjury provision does not apply to statements made by members of the public during designated public comment periods at legislative hearings. The existing language regarding perjury under oath or affirmation is retained, but the bill expands the scope of perjury to include false statements made in legislative contexts, thereby strengthening the legal framework surrounding truthful testimony in government proceedings.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-25-1