Contact: Isaac Padilla
505/986.4263
505/264.6512
Isaac.Padilla@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sen. George Muñoz & Senate Pass Landmark Legislation to Toughen DWI Penalties in Fight Against Alcohol-Related Tragedies on State’s Roads
Muñoz Speaks in Strong Support of Majority Floor Leader Michael Sanchez
Santa Fe–Legislation to crack down on serial, repeat DWI offenders was passed by the New Mexico Senate last night by a vote of 34 – 2. Senate Bill 118, (SB 118), “Increased DWI Penalties” was sponsored by Senator George Muñoz (D-4- Cibola, McKinley & San Juan), a champion for ending DWI in New Mexico. The Muñoz bill increases significantly mandatory penalties for fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eight DWI convictions, adding years to current prison sentences.
“People who drive while intoxicated kill innocent New Mexicans nearly every day; DWI is a modern-day scourge. After number eight, I am proud to say that you are going away for a long time. And I am going to push from more check points to catch those people with seven or more DWIs,” said Sen. Muñoz. “I will push for more checkpoints, so those who will not change their actions will face more time in jail. I am very, very proud of the New Mexico Senate.”
Senate Bill 118 ensures that a fourth conviction increases jail time from 18 to 30 months; a fifth from two years to three years; a sixth conviction from 30 months to 42 months; a seventh conviction from 3 years to 4 years; and an eight or subsequent conviction to 12 years.
“I want to say this about my Floor Leader, Senator Michael Sanchez: he is champion in the fight to save lives by ending DWI in New Mexico. Even when it may be unpopular, he continues to insist on, and to fight for, the resources we absolutely must have, so that DWI offenders get the treatment that is critical to ending the tragic deaths and injuries that occur in our state because of DWI. If my father were alive today, he would say to Senator Sanchez, ‘You are a champion for New Mexicans, and you understand complex issues deeply, and that it’s not all about simply passing laws,’” added Sen. George Muñoz.
Senators who voted against the measure pointed to the lack of funding in the bill for alcohol treatment options for DWI offenders, such as outpatient addiction treatment, drug and alcohol evaluations and assessment, and other programs for people with multiple DWI convictions.
Sen. George Munoz is the son of former Gallup Mayor Eddie Munoz, who led a historic march in 1989 of New Mexico and tribal citizens following a tragic, senseless DWI crash left a three-year old native girl dead. Thousands walked from Gallup to Santa Fe to put a spotlight on the problem of alcohol related fatalities and crimes. The group’s dramatic efforts were the target of ferocious opposition by the liquor industry. The ‘March of Hope’ eventually resulted in closure of drive-up package liquor sales in Gallup, and much greater public awareness of the DWI crisis throughout New Mexico.
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