New laws hit books Wednesday

SANTA FE (KRQE) - New Mexico's death penalty is off the table for crimes committed starting Wednesday.

The repeal, passed in this year's legislative session, is one of many laws that go into effect on Wednesday.

Those convicted of capital offenses will instead face life in prison without the possibility of release or parole.

In New Mexico, laws passed during a given legislative session generally go into effect on July 1 of that year.

Also among the new laws, according to a summary from the Second Judicial District Attorney's Office and a document prepared by the Legislative Council Service:

• A new law will make it illegal to obtain a car by fraud or embezzlement.
• Increased penalties will be in effect for repeat auto thieves.
• It will be easier for prosecutors to charge people for child abuse for using methamphetamines when children are present.
• Domestic-violence victims will be guaranteed time off work to attend court hearings.
• Damaging or preventing access to jointly owned property to attempt to harass a partner is now a crime.
• Some more minor misdemeanor offenses which don't include a penalty of jail time will no longer be afforded a jury trial.
• Referees, umpires, scorers and other officials at New Mexico Activities Association-sanctioned events won't be charged gross receipts tax for those earnings.

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Also on the Web: Highlights of the 2009 Legislative Session (PDF)