45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION OF THE TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ON WAYS TO PROVIDE LOW-INCOME AND INDIGENT NEW MEXICO RESIDENTS, WHO ARE PARTICIPANTS IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, WITH MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE.

WHEREAS, despite laws requiring drivers to maintain insurance, about one in seven motorists nationwide remains uninsured; and

WHEREAS, insured drivers must bear the burden of paying for injuries caused by drivers who carry no insurance; and

WHEREAS, data released for the period of 1995 to 1997 shows that New Mexico is one of five states with the highest uninsured driver estimates; and

WHEREAS, living and health care costs are rising in New Mexico, and at the same time of these rising prices, the revenue of New Mexico is declining; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, New Mexico's per capita income ranked forty-eighth in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the low-income and indigent residents of New Mexico must devote their resources to essentials for day-to-day living;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the human services department and the motor vehicle division of the taxation and revenue department be requested to study ways to provide low-income and indigent New Mexico residents, who are participants in public assistance programs, with motor vehicle insurance and report to an appropriate interim legislative committee by October 31, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council, the deputy secretary of human services, the secretary of taxation and revenue and the director of the motor vehicle division of the taxation and revenue department.