Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Troop #370 from Bayard recently celebrated Thinking Day, a day for Girl Scouts to think about other Girl Scouts from other countries. The troop celebrated with girls sharing information about different countries; such as customary foods, crafts and heritage. The girls celebrated by crafting and wearing headdresses from Panama. Learn more about Girl Scouts by calling 538-2481 or visit the local scouts online at www.gsdsw.org.
Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue added a new six-wheel UTV with water and foam fire fighting for areas that are difficult to access. The vehicle was added to the fleet to increase access to roads with barely passable dirt tracks that a traditional brush truck could not safely travel. Volunteers were required to pass an Emergency Vehicle Operations Class geared specifically to UTC driving.
In legislative action:
Legislation that will help New Mexico’s National Guard Members and their families has passed the House floor by a unanimous 67-0 vote. The legislation will allow National Guard members to be eligible for the maximum amount of life insurance policies available, $400,000, through the federal service members’ group life insurance program.
Legislation that toughens penalties for trying to lure children into a vehicle or home with the intention of harming them cleared the House Judiciary Committee on Saturday by a unanimous vote of 7-0. Currently, trying to lure a child is only a misdemeanor. Under this new law, enticement of a child between the ages of 13 to 16 would be a fourth-degree felony and a third-degree felony if the child is under the age of 13.
Legislation that will protect pregnant women in the workplace and ensure that New Mexico meets federal guidelines passed the House Business and Employment committee by a unanimous 10-0 vote. The legislation makes employers provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as more flexibility with their schedules, shorter hours or leave time. It also ensures a woman’s job is protected while she is pregnant, while at the same time allowing her to look after her health.
Legislation toughening penalties for possessing child pornography passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously. Currently, offenders are charged with just one count of possession of child pornography even if they possess dozens of images. This legislation would make it clear that every image in possession is an additional count of child pornography. By clarifying the law, there will be greater accountability and justice to the offenders.
