Domestic Violence Bills Move Forward: Cote Bill Restricts Offenders
Las Cruces Bulletin
February 13, 2009
BY KATE NASH
The New Mexican
Domestic violence wasn’t one of the big topics mentioned much at the start of this legislative session, but bills to crack down on offenders are already making progress.
The House approved a measure that would prohibit anyone convicted of domestic violence offenses from becoming a police officer if the violation happened within the three years leading up to the time they apply.
Rep. Nate Cote, D-Organ, sponsored the measure (HB33). It allows an officer’s certification to be revoked or suspended following a conviction for domestic violence crimes. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
“We think it sets a really important standard for law enforcement and gives victims and communities a lot of trust that law enforcement is there to protect the public safety, so we’re really pleased with that bill,’’ said Lynn Rosenthal, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Among other things, the bill gives offenders a chance to go through a 52-week batterer intervention program.
“It doesn’t mean this person could absolutely never become a law enforcement officer, but that they need to go through the proper intervention program in order to do that,’’ Rosenthal said.
Meanwhile, a bill (SB4) sponsored by state Sen. Rod Adair, R-Roswell, would create a new criminal offense known as “damage to and deprivation of the property of a household member.’’ The crime would be a misdemeanor if the damage is $1,000 or less, while it would be a fourthdegree felony if the damage is more than $1,000.
The bill has cleared two Senate committees and is headed to the Senate floor – quick action this early in the 60-day session.
