NM school officials concerned about new medicine law

Some New Mexico officials are concerned schools could be left vulnerable in the wake of a new law requiring they stockpile medicine to treat students who experience severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks. 

The Albuquerque Journal reports that some school districts are hesitant to follow the new law because they can be sued if something goes wrong.

Gov. Susana Martinez signed Senate Bill 75 into law last month, saying it would save children's lives. The law, which takes effect July 1, permits school nurses to administer the medication even to students who don't have a prescription. But a clause in the bill shielding schools from civil lawsuits was removed. 

Dick Minzner, an attorney who studied the law, says schools could be sued if medicine is incorrectly administered or stored.

NM school officials concerned about new medicine law

Bankruptcy filings in NM continue to drop

Bankruptcy filings in New Mexico dipped in 2013, continuing a downward trend that has been going on since 2010. 

The clerk's office for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Albuquerque says the state overall had a rate of two bankruptcy filings per capita last year, which falls below the national average of 3.3. 

The data shows Valencia County with the highest rate of the state's 33 counties with a ratio of 2.8 filings. Sandoval and Torrance counties came in second and third, respectively. Bernalillo County, which showed 2.5 filings per capita, hasn't ranked in the top three in the last decade. 

Experts say higher unemployment rates and longer work commutes could be potential factors for the higher rates.

Bankruptcy filings in NM continue to drop

Gov. former campain manager wants Downs information

Jamie Estrada 

A former campaign manager for New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez accused of hijacking her campaign's email system and lying about it is seeking information tied to a state contract for the Downs at Albuquerque. 

Jamie Estrada's attorney says in court documents filed last week that evidence related to the Downs Racetrack & Casino could reveal possible credibility problems with Martinez and other potential witnesses. Prosecutors say the Downs case is unconnected to the charges Estrada faces. 

Estrada briefly served as campaign manager in 2009 before being ousted by Martinez as she was starting her bid for governor. Estrada is scheduled to go on trial July 15 for allegedly intercepting emails and making false statements to federal investigators.

Gov. former campain manager wants Downs information