SENATE BILL 660

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Leonard Tsosie

AN ACT

RELATING TO TAXATION; ALLOWING INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS WORKING FOR A PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION.

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

     Section 1. A new section of the Income Tax Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] DEDUCTION--PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES.--

          A. An individual who is an attorney licensed to practice law in New Mexico may claim a deduction for compensation received in the course of employment with a pro bono legal services organization.

          B. For the purposes of this section, "pro bono legal services organization" means a nongovernmental, nonprofit entity providing legal representation to New Mexico residents without charging a fee for such representation. The department shall promulgate rules establishing guidelines for the designation of such entities."

     Section 2. APPLICABILITY.--The provisions of this act apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005.

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