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New Mexico senior citizens, like their counterparts around the nation, have had a rough go of it since the COVID-19 outbreak began in earnest last March. In fact, they have borne the brunt of isolation, hospitalizations and deaths, so every bit of good news is welcome.
And the estimated 153,000 New Mexicans over age 75 got a bit of that on Tuesday.
Under legislation signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexicans 75 years or older who have been summoned for jury duty can be permanently excused simply by requesting an excusal through the state court system’s jury website. (They can also call the local court for more information. And while an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure, you can only request a permanent excusal once you have received a summons for jury duty.)
New law makers it easier for elderly to opt out of jury duty
April 7, 2021
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Democratic state Rep. Roger Montoya of Velarde works on a laptop in the state Capitol rotunda in Santa Fe, N.M., in the final hours of a 60-day legislative session on Saturday, March 20, 2021. The Democrat-led Legislature has charted an economic exit from the COVID-19 pandemic and checked off progressive priorities on policing reforms, abortion rights, medical aid in dying and child poverty.Morgan Lee/AP
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) New Mexico residents 75 and older can easily decline to participate in jury trials by calling a court office or using an online option, under legislation signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Letter To The Editor: Thank You New Mexico Legislature And Governor For Outlawing Traps And Snares On Public Lands
Los Alamos
I would like to echo the sentiments of another letter and publicly thank the New Mexico Legislature and our governor for outlawing the use of traps, snares and similar devices on public lands in our state.
Senate Bill 32, The Wildlife Conservation and Public Safety Act, had four committed sponsors, including Sen. Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales and Rep. Christine Chandler, both of whom represent Los Alamos; as well as Sens. Brenda McKenna and Matthew McQueen.
Forty-five years ago my family came upon a trapped animal during a Christmas tree outing in the Jemez mountains. I have never forgotten the sickening horror associated with that incident.
New State Law Helps Senior Citizens Called To Jury Duty
NMSC News:
SANTA FE A new state law will make it easier for senior citizens to permanently excuse themselves from jury service.
The new law applies to state residents 75-years-old or older who have been summoned to jury duty. They no longer will be required to submit an affidavit – a sworn, notarized statement – if they want to be excused from jury service.
Starting June 18 when the new law takes effect, those qualifying New Mexicans can request an excusal online through the state court system’s jury website. Another option is to call the local court for more information.
New Mexico Eliminates Police Immunity From Prosecution -
By Morgan Lee Associated Press
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed civil rights reforms Wednesday that eliminate police immunity from prosecution in state courts, in response to protests and concerns about police brutality that have swept the nation.
Lujan Grisham signed the Democrat-sponsored bill amid the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on murder charges in the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd. Video of Floyd, losing consciousness while pinned to the pavement by police officers, triggered a national reckoning over racism and police brutality.
¨This is not an anti-police bill, Lujan Grisham said in a news release. This bill does not endanger any first responder or public servant so long as they conduct themselves professionally within the bounds of our constitution and with a deep and active respect for the sacred rights it guarantees all of us.