Remove Volunteer Fire & Emt From Public Body
The legislative intent behind HB87 is to relieve volunteer firefighting and EMS organizations from obligations that are typically applied to public entities. By categorizing these services as non-public bodies, the bill could facilitate greater operational flexibility for volunteers, who often work with limited resources in community settings. This change may influence how civil rights claims can be filed against these organizations, affecting the legal landscape surrounding volunteer public service in New Mexico.
House Bill 87 proposes an amendment to the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, specifically targeting the definition of 'public body'. This amendment aims to exclude both volunteer fire departments and volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from this definition. The bill was introduced by James G. Townsend and seeks to clarify the status of these organizations under state civil rights laws, potentially altering their legal responsibilities and the degree of accountability they hold.
While proponents of HB87 may argue that the bill will help support and retain volunteer service providers by reducing administrative burdens, opponents may raise concerns about the potential consequences for accountability. Critics might argue that excluding volunteer services from the definition of public bodies could limit individuals' rights to seek legal recourse in cases of discrimination or misconduct, thus undermining civil rights protections within those community services. The balance between support for volunteers and the protection of civil rights represents a significant point of contention within the discussion of this legislation.