NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD)

Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HJC Amendment

The House Judiciary Committee expands the requirements of providing notice as required in Section 66-3-121 NMSA 1978.

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 181 proposes to amend NMSA 66-2-7.1, that adds, " providing notice to owners of abandoned vehicles in self-storage facilities" to the list of exceptions to motor vehicle record confidentiality.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

House Bill 181 does not contain an appropriation.

The AOC indicates that it will cost the judicial system about $400 for statewide update, distribution, and documentation of statutory changes.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The TRD indicates that House Bill 181 is a reasonable public policy, where the breach of confidentiality is in the vehicle owners best interest. Federal law, specifically 18 USC 2721- the validity of which has been recently upheld, governs disclosure of personal information. That law provides an exception:

"(3) for use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business . . . but only. . . (B) if such information . . . for the purposes of . . . pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest."

RMS/prr