HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 9

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Debbie A. Rodella

FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT A TASK FORCE BE CONVENED TO STUDY THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE COMMISSION OF STALKING CRIMES AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico has a compelling duty and interest to protect its citizens from stalking crimes; and

     WHEREAS, advances in technology now make it possible for a stalker to use computers, the internet, global positioning devices and other electronic means to stalk, frighten, intimidate or threaten a victim; and

     WHEREAS, advances in technology also make it possible to commit identity theft, interfere with a victim's credit and impersonate a victim in connection with stalking; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's criminal laws are outdated, in that the law does not address cyberstalking or the use of technology in stalking;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the secretary of public safety be requested to convene a task force to study the use of technology by stalkers, with the purpose of developing legislation to adequately protect New Mexicans from the crime of stalking; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consist of

the secretary of public safety, or the secretary's designee; the attorney general, or the attorney general's designee; a representative of municipal law enforcement, appointed by the New Mexico municipal league; a representative of county law enforcement, appointed by the New Mexico association of counties; a representative of the district attorney's office; a representative of the public defender department; and additional members as deemed necessary by the task force; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force report its findings and recommendations, including any recommendations for proposed legislation, to the governor, the information technology and telecommunications oversight committee and any other appropriate interim legislative committee no later than November 1, 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public safety, the attorney general, the New Mexico municipal league, the New Mexico association of counties, the administrative office of the district attorneys and the public defender department.

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