In Brief - New Mexico News - March 15, 2013

From The Associated Press

Student-parents bill goes to gov

ALBUQUERQUE — High school students who are becoming parents would be entitled to excused time off from classes under a bill approved by the New Mexico Legislature.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Senate’s 37-3 approval of the bill late Wednesday sends it to Gov. Susana Martinez. The House approved the bill previously.
Under the bill, pregnant students or fathers-to-be could miss classes for as many as 10 days for births. The bill also allows students to take off up to four days per semester for prenatal or child care.
Students would have to arrange with their teachers to make up the work they miss.
Supporters say the bill helps students who choose not to have abortions. Opponents expressed concern that the bill could be seen as rewarding teen parents.

Man in prison explains lawsuit

SANTA FE — A Santa Fe man convicted of a fatal 2010 drunken-driving accident says his filing a lawsuit against two restaurants and a drinking buddy doesn’t mean he’s not taking responsibility for his actions.
James Ruiz says in a letter to the news media that his lawsuit is intended to make the defendants take responsibility for their actions while seeking a way to repay relatives who paid for his legal defense.
Ruiz is in prison in Grants, serving a 42-year sentence for manslaughter and causing great bodily injury by vehicle.
Two members of a Naschetti family in Santa Fe for a high school basketball tournament were killed when Ruiz’s truck rear-ended the family’s car.