A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT EFFORTS BE CONTINUED TO REQUIRE THAT ALL NEW AND USED MOTOR VEHICLES SOLD IN NEW MEXICO BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE.

WHEREAS, during the 2004 legislative session, an innovative, technology-based proposal, offered as a means to address DWI, was examined by lawmakers; and

WHEREAS, that proposal called for a statutory requirement that all new and used motor vehicles sold in New Mexico be equipped with an ignition interlock device; and

WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislature has previously embraced the use of ignition interlock devices to curb DWI, as evidenced by enactment of the Ignition Interlock Licensing Act and enactment of legislation that requires installation of ignition interlock devices on the motor vehicles of DWI offenders; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico is uniquely positioned to emerge as a national leader in efforts to reduce DWI through the increased use of technology, given the presence of two national laboratories in our state; and

WHEREAS, a sustained effort to develop laws and technology that make it feasible to equip all motor vehicles with ignition interlock devices has the potential to dramatically reduce DWI in our state; and

WHEREAS, state officials should coordinate their efforts with the New Mexico congressional delegation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it request that efforts be continued to require that all new and used motor vehicles sold in New Mexico be equipped with an ignition interlock device; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation.