SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 47

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Kent L. Cravens

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING INCREASING AND IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR UNDERAGE DRINKING VIOLATIONS.

     WHEREAS, underage consumption of alcoholic beverages is a persistent problem in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, underage consumption of alcoholic beverages often occurs in conjunction with driving while intoxicated; and

     WHEREAS, driving a motor vehicle in New Mexico is a privilege that the state may condition on responsible behavior that complies with state law; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has penalties for an underage person who possesses, attempts to purchase or purchases alcoholic beverages but has no penalties for the underage consumption of alcoholic beverages or for underage persons who misrepresent themselves as being of age to possess, purchase and consume alcoholic beverages; and

     WHEREAS, other states and the District of Columbia have penalties for underage consumption of alcoholic beverages and for underage persons who misrepresent themselves as being of age to possess, purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; and

     WHEREAS, the suspension of driving privileges as a consequence of underage possession, purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages and of misrepresentation of age to possess, purchase or consume alcoholic beverages may promote more responsible behavior by persons who are under the legal drinking age, resulting in fewer underage drinking problems and violations;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the interim legislative committee that studies corrections issues study and make recommendations to the first session of the forty-eighth legislature about the efficacy of making the suspension of driving privileges a penalty for the first offense of possessing, attempting to purchase or purchasing alcoholic beverages by an underage person; of establishing penalties for the consumption of alcoholic beverages by an underage person; and of establishing penalties for underage persons who misrepresent themselves as being of age to possess, attempt to purchase or purchase alcoholic beverages; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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