AN ACT

RELATING TO SENIORS; PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BY THE STATE OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE AGAINST SENIORS OLDER THAN SIXTY YEARS OF AGE WHO VOLUNTEER AND MEET CERTAIN STANDARDS.

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

Section 1. A new section of the Human Rights Act is enacted to read:

"PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SENIORS IN CERTAIN VOLUNTEER SERVICE.--The state or a political subdivision of the state shall not exclude a person older than sixty years of age from volunteer service as long as the person is physically, mentally and professionally capable of performing the services involved. For the purposes of this section, "professionally capable" means having the ability to demonstrate reasonable proficiency and having any relevant certification in accordance with the laws, rules or technical standards that may govern the particular profession."

Section 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the

provisions of this act is July 1, 2003.

HB 761

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