A bill that would have prevented the state from defending an employee if the state is also the one bringing the charges (Senate Bill 220) died in the Senate Committee on Committees on Friday, but its sponsor, Sen. John Ryan, R-Albuquerque, said he may try to add it as an amendment to another bill. He’s also asked the Governor for his support in getting the measure added to the agenda.

The bill arose out of the high profile Foy v. Vanderbilt case, for which Ryan said New Mexico has doled out $500,000 in attorneys fees.

“If Foy is successful and fraud is found, and these private companies go belly up, he could turn the state,” Ryan said, adding that in such cases the state actually hampers itself from winning in court.

The Senate Committiee on Committiee listened to the arguments, but members said the bill wasn’t germane to the 30 day session.