Bill > SB57

This bill creates new crimes related to the concealment of a peace officer's identity and expands the definition of impersonating a peace officer. Specifically, it establishes the crime of "unlawful concealing of the identity of a peace officer" for when an officer hides their face, badge, name, or employer during an official action in a way that makes someone believe the officer lacks lawful authority, which is a misdemeanor. A more serious offense, "aggravated unlawful concealing of the identity of a peace officer," occurs if the concealment is done with the intent to deceive, intimidate, or interfere with public records, making it a fourth-degree felony. The bill also clarifies that "peace officer" now includes federal, state, or local full-time salaried or certified part-time salaried officers. Additionally, it amends the existing law on impersonating a peace officer to explicitly include federal, state, or local officers. Finally, the bill imposes restrictions on individuals authorized to apprehend those who fail to appear for their bail bond, prohibiting them from falsely representing themselves as sworn peace officers, wearing misleading uniforms or badges, or using fictitious government-related names, while allowing them to clearly identify themselves as "Bail Bond Recovery Agents" or similar.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=57&year=26