In an otherwise rancorous legislative session, New Mexico lawmakers are finding common ground on bills aimed at keeping children safe.
Child protection measures are enjoying bipartisan support during a 60-day session that just passed its midpoint. That's despite party-line votes on a host of contentious issues that range from abortion and right-to-work to driver's licenses for those suspected of being in the country illegally.
Lawmakers say tackling crimes against children is a non-partisan issue.
House Minority Leader Brian Egolf's bill to clarify the state's child abuse reporting law recently cleared the House.
Republican Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage's bill to crack down on sexual predators was also approved.
Federal data shows New Mexico had one of the steepest increases in child victims between 2009 and 2013, putting the state in the top five nationally.
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