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AN ACT

RELATING TO THE PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE;

PROVIDING FOR A DWI RECIDIVISM COMPONENT IN ALL DRIVER

REHABILITATION PROGRAMS; AMENDING A SECTION OF THE NMSA 1978.

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

Section 1. Section 66-7-506 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1978,

Chapter 35, Section 493, as amended) is amended to read:

"66-7-506. BUREAU--FUNCTIONS--POWERS--DUTIES.--The

bureau shall have the following powers and duties:

A. organize, plan and conduct a statewide program

of activities designed to prevent accidents and to reduce the

incidence of DWI in New Mexico;

B. coordinate activities and programs of the

departments, divisions and agencies of this state now engaged

in promoting traffic safety;

C. provide accident prevention information and

publicity to all appropriate media of information and develop

other means of public information;

D. cooperate with all public and private agencies

and organizations interested in the promotion of traffic

safety and accident prevention;

E. serve as a clearinghouse for all traffic safety

materials and information used throughout this state;

F. cooperate in promoting research, special

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studies and analysis of problems concerning the safety and

welfare of the citizens of New Mexico;

G. cooperate fully with national safety

organizations in bringing about greater effectiveness in

nationwide accident prevention activities and programs;

H. make studies and suitable recommendations,

through the chief and the secretary of transportation, to the

legislature concerning safety regulations and laws;

I. prepare and submit each year a written report

to the governor concerning the activities of the bureau and

activities concerning assistance to local organizations and

officials;

J. institute and administer a statewide motorcycle

training program funded as provided for in Section 66-10-10

NMSA 1978;

K. institute and administer an accident prevention

course for elderly drivers as provided for in Section

59A-32-14 NMSA 1978;

L. cooperate with the public education department

to develop a regulatory framework for instructional and

administrative processes, including licensure requirements for

instructors, and a curriculum for instruction in defensive

driving with a DWI education and prevention component to be

offered statewide in secondary schools as an elective;

M. institute and administer a DWI prevention and

education program for elementary and secondary school

students, funded as provided for in Section 66-5-35 NMSA 1978;

N. include at least two hours of DWI prevention

and education training in all driver education courses

approved by the bureau; and

O. include a DWI recidivism prevention component

in all driver rehabilitation programs for alcohol or drugs

approved by the bureau."

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