New Mexico shields farmers from nuisance complaints

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has signed legislation aimed at protecting farmers and ranchers from nuisance lawsuits by neighbors amid encroachment of urban sprawl.

Martinez was in Clovis on Wednesday to announce her approval of the legislation sponsored by Republican Sen. Stuart Ingle. The law ensures new neighbors cannot sue agricultural producers for being too noisy.

The governor also signed a measure that allows the courts to grant permanent restraining orders against convicted sexual predators to keep them from contacting their victims.

Courts also will be able to grant those orders without requiring the victim to be present in the courtroom.