Whistleblower protection act passes NM Senate

The New Mexico State Senate today passed SB 96, on a vote of 38 to 2. This measure's sponsor Senator Wilson Beffort, R-Albuquerque, said it is aimed at protecting public employees who report illegal and unethical conduct is critical for ethics reform.

She said, "Those who retaliate would face money damages, in addition to any criminal charges they would face based on the illegal conduct that was reported."

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

A similar measure was vetoed by Gov. Bill Richardson last year.