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.
Gov. Susana Martinez announced today that she is seeking an expansion to Katie’s Law to require DNA samples to be taken from all felony arrests in the state. At a Monday press conference, Martinez announced that she’ll be moving the state DNA lab from Santa Fe back to Albuquerque.
Katie’s Law, named after Katie Sepich, a New Mexico State University student who was attacked, raped and murdered in 2003, requires that DNA be collected for some felonies such as murder, sex offenses and kidnapping.
Other states have similar laws on the books, and they have drawn criticism from civil libertarians and groups like the ACLU, which has questioned the database’s use on the grounds of invasion of privacy and 4th Amendment concerns.
According to KOB reporter Jeremy Jojola, those who are found not guilty or have their cases dismissed can request that their DNA be removed from the database.
The Senate Republican caucus announced that Sen. Vernon Asbill, R-Carlsbad, will carry the legislation in this year’s legislative session.
In the final days of Gov. Bill Richardson’s administration, the state Supreme Court ruled that New Mexico Public Safety Secretary John Denko had the authority to move the state DNA lab from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Martinez was critical of the decision to move the lab in the final days of the administration and fulfilled her promise of moving the lab back on her first business day in office.
Albuquerque mayor R.J. Berry, a former Republican legislator, praised Martinez for returning the DNA office to Albuquerque. Albuquerque Director of Public Safety Darren White, who aided in the Martinez transition, was also in attendance.
