NM House OKs Bill To Expand Amber Alert System

New Mexico lawmakers have approved a proposal backed by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez to broaden a state warning system for finding abducted children.

The House approved a measure on Monday to expand the Amber Alert system to include children abducted by a parent or other family member. The system provides for emergency distribution of notices of a child's abduction.

The bill passed the House on a 61-2 vote and goes to the Senate for consideration.

Martinez said in a statement that with House approval of the legislation "we are now a step closer to protecting the well-being of New Mexico children who are taken by those who are supposed to care for them the most."

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.