State Senator Jay Block announced that Senate Bill 319, which aimed to mandate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for all New Mexico drivers, was withdrawn by its sponsor, Senator Katy Duhigg. Block made this statement in a press release on March 3.
"This bill represented a giveaway to those who unlawfully operate vehicles without insurance," said Block, New Mexico State Senator. "For those of us who pay our monthly premiums and follow the rules responsibly, we would have been penalized for doing so. New Mexico citizens are better off with this bill stopped in its tracks."
According to the New Mexico Legislature, Senate Bill 319 sought to enhance financial protection in accidents involving uninsured drivers. Proponents argued it would alleviate financial burdens on responsible drivers. However, opponents expressed concerns that it could increase insurance premiums by up to 43%, potentially making coverage unaffordable for many residents. The bill was part of ongoing legislative efforts to address the high rate of uninsured drivers in New Mexico, which remains one of the highest in the nation.
Mandating such coverage has historically led to increased insurance premiums. For example, after Nevada implemented a similar mandate in 2017, insurance rates rose as companies adjusted policy pricing to accommodate a higher volume of claims, according to the New Mexico Legislature.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2022, New Mexico had the second-highest rate of uninsured motorists in the United States, with 24.9% of drivers lacking insurance coverage. This figure surpasses the national average of 14% and highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing mandatory insurance laws. Economic factors such as rising auto insurance premiums and financial hardship contribute to this high rate.
Block's website states he served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a nuclear weapons officer before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016. He later became the first Republican elected to the Sandoval County Commission, focusing on economic development, public safety, and Second Amendment rights.
