HOUSE BILL 292

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Sharon Clahchischilliage

AN ACT

RELATING TO DRIVER'S LICENSES; CREATING A DESIGNATION ON DRIVER'S LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS FOR INDIVIDUALS ON ACTIVE DUTY IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES AND VETERANS.

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

     SECTION 1. A new section of Chapter 66, Article 5 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND VETERAN DRIVER'S LICENSE DESIGNATION.--Within the forms prescribed by the department for applications and licenses of drivers of motor vehicles, a space shall be provided to show whether the applicant is a person who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is a veteran as defined in Section 9-22-3 NMSA 1978. A person who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is a veteran and is applying for a license may, if the applicant desires, indicate the applicant's status as a person who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is a veteran on the space provided on the application. This status, if given by an applicant, shall be displayed on the license issued. The form and the driver's license shall be signed by the applicant in the presence of a witness who shall also sign the form in the applicant's presence."

     SECTION 2. Section 66-5-401 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1978, Chapter 35, Section 328, as amended) is amended to read:

     "66-5-401. IDENTIFICATION CARDS.--

          A. A person who does not have a valid New Mexico driver's license may be issued an identification card by the department certified by the applicant as to true name, correct age and other identifying data as the department may require. Every application for an identification card shall be signed by the applicant or the applicant's parent or guardian. The secretary may, for good cause, revoke or deny the issuance of an identification card.

          B. Within the forms prescribed by the department for identification card applications, a space shall be provided to show whether the applicant is a donor as provided in the Jonathan Spradling Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. A person applying for an identification card may indicate that person's status on the space provided on the application. The donor status indicated by the applicant shall be displayed on the identification card. The form and identification card shall be signed by the donor in the presence of a witness who shall also sign the form in the donor's presence.

          C. Within the forms prescribed by the department for identification card applications, a space shall be provided to show whether the applicant is a person who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is a veteran as defined in Section 9-22-3 NMSA 1978. A person who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is a veteran and is applying for an identification card may, if the applicant desires, indicate the applicant's status as a person who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is a veteran on the space provided on the application. This status, if given by an applicant, shall be displayed on the identification card issued. The form and the identification card shall be signed by the applicant in the presence of a witness who shall also sign the form in the applicant's presence."

     SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2014.

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