I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Talking, texting and picture-taking while you’re behind the wheel could soon land you a fine–everywhere in New Mexico. A vote of 35-30 sent House Bill 10 on to the Senate and moved the state closer to laws in place in New Mexico’s major cities–a ban on cell phone talking while driving.
“Were in the 21st century here and trying to catch up,” said Rep. Antonio Lujan, D-Las Cruces, the sponsor of the bill. Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe all already have bans on talking while driving without a hands free device.
HB 10 would include all of New Mexico to that ban and add texting to the list of things you can’t do while driving. Talking with a hands-free device would still be allowed.
“The concern that I have [is] these things just become revenue generators, that’s all they end up being,” said Rep. Tom Taylor, R-Farmington. The fine for getting caught was originally $200 but a House committee dropped the fine to $25. “I had to think long and hard about this bill, because I do it (talking while driving), but it really is something I should stop doing,” said Rep. W. Ken Martinez, D-Grants, who voted for the measure.
Exceptions are made for emergency situations and for law enforcement personnel are in the bill, which now heads to the Senate.
