Why did New Mexico decide to end the practice of suspending driver's licenses for failure to pay fines or appear in court?
Why did New Mexico decide to end the practice of suspending driver's licenses for failure to pay fines or appear in court? In an effort to promote justice and address the disproportionate impact on low-income individuals, New Mexico made the decision to end the practice of suspending driver's licenses for failure to pay fines or appear in court. This progressive move aimed to rectify several key issues that arose from this punitive approach: 1. Breaking the cycle of poverty: Suspending driver's licenses placed an unfair burden on low-income individuals who could not afford to pay their fines immediately. Viciously, this resulted in a perpetual cycle of economic hardship as many people rely heavily on their ability to drive for employment opportunities or fulfilling basic needs. By removing this barrier, New Mexico sought to empower these individuals by preventing further financial strain and allowing them a chance at economic stability. 2. Enhancing public safety: Suspend