Gov. Susana Martinez’s office announced on Monday that Martinez signed eight bills, including a piece of legislation that would make so-called “revenge porn” illegal in New Mexico.
Another bill Martinez signed on Monday is designed to address the shortage of nurses in New Mexico.
The new law on nurses, SB 341, passed both chambers unanimously and would expand the number of nurses who could receive financial aid from the nurse educators fund. It will allow those studying for the doctorate of nursing practice to access the funds.
Those in support of the bill say that tit will increase the amount of educators for nursing schools in the state, which would make it easier for New Mexicans who wish to become nurses.
Martinez signed the nursing legislation in Las Cruces.
The question of revenge porn is a hot topic. The owner of a revenge porn website in California was sentenced to 18 years in prison last week.
This legislation, HB 142, outlaws distributing “sensitive images” to harass the person depicted in the image. These sensitive images include nude photos.
New Mexico is now among nearly 20 states that have laws governing “revenge porn” on the books. The law, which takes effect on July 1, says that a first offense would be a misdemeanor while subsequent offenses would be fourth degree felonies.
The bills that Martinez signed on Monday were largely non-controversial. Of the eight pieces of legislation, only one received any votes against it, SB 125.
That legislation will change the speed limit on county roads without markings to 55 MPH from the current 75 MPH.
The legislation still passed both chambers easily, clearing the Senate 31-9 and the House 60-2.
