45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO COMPENSATE ROSENDO SANCHEZ FOR DAMAGES INCURRED RESULTING FROM THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF A COUNTY OFFICER; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the risk management division of the general services department for expenditure in fiscal years 2001 and 2002 for the purpose of compensating Rosendo Sanchez for the damages he sustained in an accident on November 22, 1966 when, through no fault of his own, Mr. Sanchez suffered injury due to the failure of the Valencia county sheriff to mark a bridge that had burned and was impassable. Mr. Sanchez has pursued his remedies in the courts and, while the facts about the accident have not been contested, the laws in existence at the time prohibited his recovery of appropriate damages. The laws have subsequently changed and it is likely that under current law, Mr. Sanchez would be able to recover for his injuries. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

Section 2. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.