LEGISLATION TO INCREASE THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME A SHERIFF IN NEW MEXICO IS PASSED BY A SENATE COMMITTEE ON SUNDAY. DEMOCRATIC SENATOR MICHAEL PADILLA SPONSORED THE BILL. HE SAYS THE STATE HAS NO MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR SHERIFF.
HIS BILL WOULD REQUIRE CANDIDATES TO BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD WITH AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE AND BE CERTIFIED FOR BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING.
THE MEASURE WAS APPROVED BY THE SENATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
