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Senate committee backs substitute for bill creating state civil remedies against federal interference in elections
Summary
The Senate Rules Committee gave a 'due pass' to a committee substitute for SB 264, which creates state definitions and civil remedies to respond if federal agents or others attempt to interfere with New Mexico elections; the bill parallels federal prohibitions but adds expedited state enforcement and civil penalties.
A Senate Rules Committee substitute for SB 264 won a committee 'due pass' after proponents said the measure provides New Mexico courts and officials tools to respond if federal agents or others attempt to take over or intimidate voting operations.
The sponsor told the committee that New Mexico "runs the best elections in The United States Of America," citing an independent index as evidence and arguing the state needs a standalone legal mechanism to act if federal actors disregard federal law. The bill defines "under color of law" and narrows the definition of "peace officer," adds a new offense for intentional obstruction of voting, and allows the…
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