Legislative panel rejects Gov's DWI proposal

A legislative committee has rejected legislation backed by Gov. Susana Martinez to toughen New Mexico's penalties on repeat drunken drivers. 

One of the bills supported by the Republican governor but rejected by the Democratic-led House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee would have increased prison time for fourth and subsequent DWI convictions.

 The second bill would have effectively required DWI convictions to figure in the determination on whether a defendant is an habitual offender. 

During Thursday's hearing  opponents said that toughening penalties would add costs for the court system and prisons.

Legislative panel rejects Gov's DWI proposal

Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce asks for min. wage feeze

Business leaders in Santa Fe are calling on the northern New Mexico city to freeze its minimum wage, now set to rise by 2 percent on March 1 under a cost-of-living adjustment. 

The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce says higher costs imposed on businesses mean they'd have to raise prices. The chamber says that would raise the cost of living and increase unemployment while making it unlikely young people could find entry-level jobs.  

The city's minimum hourly wage will rise March 1 to $10.51 from $10.29. 

Mayor David Coss says he opposes capping the minimum wage. Coss says city residents have expressed support for it and that Santa Fe's economy is in better shape than those of other New Mexico cities.

Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce asks for min. wage feeze

Newsbreak New Mexico 8 a.m. Webcast 1/28/13

Newsbreak New Mexico 8a.m. Newscast with Vanessa Dabovich

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Medicaid births in New Mexico
Illinois to issue licenses to undocumented immigrants
State improves mental health records for gun checks

Newsbreak New Mexico 8 a.m. Webcast 1/28/13

7 in 10 births in NM paid by Medicaid

Seven in 10 births in New Mexico are paid for by Medicaid.  

Recent analysis by the state Legislative Finance Committee that shows 71 percent of the nearly 27,800 babies born in New Mexico during 2010 were paid for by the state and federally funded health insurance program for the poor.

 Experts say the large number of Medicaid births reflects a slew of problems in New Mexico, such as high rates of unemployment, drug use, school dropout and teen pregnancy. 

About one in four New Mexicans is enrolled in the program.

7 in 10 births in NM paid by Medicaid

Gun debate leads to legal firearms question

From KOAT-TV.com - With the current gun debate sparking controversy across the country, gun experts want people to know which types of guns are legal or illegal.
Gun experts said every type of gun is legal if it is purchased through legitimate avenues and is properly registered.
It includes both automatic and semi-automatic weapons, but the background check to buy an automatic weapon is far more extensive. Automatic weapons, which fire multiple bullets with one pull of the trigger, are also extremely expensive.
"A machine gun is not necessarily illegal as long as you go through the proper channels and do the proper paperwork," said Calibers training director Jordan Nighbert.
Gun control advocates are pushing to ban assault weapons, high capacity clips, and improve background checks. Read more

Gun debate leads to legal firearms question

Newsbreak New Mexico 5p.m. Webcast 1/25/13

Newsbreak New Mexico 5p.m. Newscast with Vanessa Dabovich

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Zozobra burning to stay on Thursday
Rabies count high in Eddy County
Logan battles for Ute Water Project

Newsbreak New Mexico 5p.m. Webcast 1/25/13

Lawmaker introduces legislation for concealed weapons in schools

Schools in New Mexico could allow an employee to carry a concealed handgun on school property under a proposal by a Republican legislator. 

State law prohibits guns on school premises except in limited instances, such as by police and school security guards. 

The legislation by Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort of Sandia Park comes a month after a Connecticut school shooting that claimed the lives of 26 children and school workers. 

Under Beffort's proposal, a school could designate one of its workers to bring a loaded, concealed handgun on campus if the individual was licensed to carry the weapon. 

The National Rifle Association has advocated placing armed guards in all schools. 

President Barack Obama has proposed gun law changes, including a ban on assault-style weapons.

Lawmaker introduces legislation for concealed weapons in schools

Abortion proposal sparks controversy

Cathrynn Brown

A Republican lawmaker is under fire for a proposal critics say could lead to felony charges against rape victims seeking an abortion, but the legislator maintains the measure is being misrepresented.  

Rep. Cathrynn Brown of Carlsbad said Thursday she'll revise the bill and had intended to make it a crime for a rapist in cases of incest to force a pregnant victim to have an abortion or to arrange for the abortion. 

The bill says the crime of evidence tampering "shall include procuring or facilitating an abortion, or compelling or coercing another to obtain an abortion of a fetus that is the result of criminal sexual penetration or incest with the intent to destroy evidence of the crime." 

New Mexico's Democratic Party chairman calls it an "atrocious piece of legislation."

Abortion proposal sparks controversy

Newsbreak New Mexico 12p.m. Webcast 1/25/13

Newsbreak New Mexico 12p.m. Newscast with Vanessa Dabovich

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Protection for Zuni Bluehead Sucker fish
Proposal for concealed weapons in school
Las Cruces to fine for false alarms

Newsbreak New Mexico 12p.m. Webcast 1/25/13

Zozobra burning to remain a Thursday night event

The burning of the Zozobra, a giant puppet stuffed with scraps of paper, will remain a Thursday night event in Santa Fe. 

The Kiwanis Club says the annual pre-Fiesta event will take place the evening of Sept. 5 at Fort Mercy Park. 

There had been talk of moving the burning to Friday night, but organizer Ray Sandoval says the club decided to end uncertainty and set a date. Admission will cost $10, down from $20 last year. 

Sandoval had said a Friday night burning would boost attendance and help avoid a ticket price increase. 

The Sante Fe New Mexican reports that Police Chief Ray Rael said it would be difficult for police to monitor both the burning at the park and gathering of people at the plaza afterward.

Zozobra burning to remain a Thursday night event