SENATE BILL 268

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS TO PAY EXPERT WITNESSES TO PROCESS THE STATE'S BACKLOGGED DNA CASES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

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

     Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--Sixty-five thousand four hundred dollars ($65,400) is appropriated from the general fund to the administrative office of the district attorneys for expenditure in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 to pay expert witnesses associated with cases that the state crime lab is having tested by private labs to reduce the number of backlogged DNA cases. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2005 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.

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