TV star backing N.M. bounty-hunter bill

SANTA FE (KRQE) - New Mexico may soon be doing business with bounty hunters with help from "the Dog," a reality TV star who dropped by a legislative meeting in Santa Fe on Wednesday.

" Dog the Bounty Hunter ," whose real name is Duane Chapman, supports legislation that would allow local bonding companies to hire agents to track down fugitives.

He said he does not believe guns should be allowed to be used in the bounty process.

"We do use nonlethal weapons, but one of the main things we stress on this is we're not trained to kill--pardon the pun--but the officers are," Chapman said.  "So, we're very proud of this. You don't need a gun to do what we do."

The bill, sponsored by Rep. James Smith, R-Sandia Park, includes qualifications for becoming a bounty hunter.

"We just want regulation that is reasonable and sensible to not only protect the community but also protect bounty hunters," said Beth Chapman, 'Dog's' wife.  "We need to make sure everyone is acting responsibly and that they're not recklessly out there creating dangers to society."

The Chapmans are in New Mexico shooting some episodes across the state for their new reality show called "Dog".

The hour-long series features the couple crisscrossing the country to help struggling bondsman companies.

It will premiere in April on the cable network CMT.

Smith's House Bill 312 now pending in the House Business and Industry Committee.