Page 23 - New Mexico Civil Rights Act News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

meunierd/Shutterstock A bill that would end qualified immunity as a defense in civil rights cases advanced from the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. HB 4, known as the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, passed without recommendation in a 5 to 3 vote along party lines. State Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque, amended the bill to remove acequias, land grants and other small units of government from the definition of a public body, said Daniel Marzec, communications director for House Speaker Brian Egolf’s office. Egolf is a co-sponsor of the bill. The lead sponsor is Rep. Georgene Louis, D-Albuquerque. The bill provides individuals whose civil rights have been violated the ability to sue the governmental body for up to $2 million in civil penalties. That would include attorney’s fees.

New mexicoUnited statesNew mexicansDavid gallegosGerald ortizy pinoGeorgene louisBrian egolfDaniel marzecD los cerrillosLiz stefanicsSenate judiciary committeePublic affairs committeeSenate healthPublic affairsNew mexico civil rights actGerald ortiz