The bill amends existing laws regarding livestock running at large, specifically addressing restrictions in "traditional historic communities." It establishes that it is unlawful for livestock owners to willfully allow their animals to roam freely in these designated areas, which now include traditional historic communities alongside towns and military reservations. Violators will be subject to misdemeanor charges and penalties as outlined in Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978. The bill also details the procedures for impounding livestock found running at large, including the sale of impounded animals and the rights of owners to redeem their livestock.

Additionally, the bill defines "traditional historic community" as an unincorporated area that has existed for over a century, contains identifiable structures or landmarks, possesses a distinctive character, and has been officially designated by the county's board of commissioners. This definition is inserted into both Section 77-14-7 and Section 77-14-36, ensuring consistency in the application of the law across different sections. The amendments aim to protect the integrity of these historic areas while providing clear guidelines for livestock management.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 77-14-7, 77-14-36