HOUSE BILL 234

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Helen Garcia

AN ACT

RELATING TO CRIMINAL LAW; CREATING THE CRIME OF BULLYING; PROVIDING PENALTIES.

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

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Criminal Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] BULLYING.--

          A. Bullying consists of a pattern of intentional conduct, including physical, verbal, written or electronic communication, that creates a hostile environment and substantially interferes with another person's physical or psychological well-being and that is:

                (1) motivated by an actual or perceived personal characteristic, including race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical attribute, socioeconomic status, familial status or a physical or mental ability or disability; or

                (2) threatening or seriously intimidating.

          B. Whoever commits bullying is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Whoever commits bullying that results in bodily harm or substantial emotional distress is guilty of a misdemeanor."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2013.

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