A new state law will allow New Mexico to expand a warning system used to help search for abducted children
The state's Amber Alert system will be able to cover children abducted by a parent or other family member. The law takes effect June 14.
Gov. Susana Martinez signed the measure on Thursday and said the current system "requires law enforcement to sit on the sidelines" if a child is taken by relative and believed to be in danger.
The Amber Alert system provides for emergency distribution of notices to the news media, the public and law enforcement of a child's abduction, but currently in New Mexico only if the child was taken by a stranger — not someone who is a relative.