VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT CHANGES

HB 190 amends New Mexico's Victims of Crime Act to expand protections for victims of specific crimes, including battery against healthcare workers and human trafficking. It allows victims to have an attorney licensed in New Mexico represent them in court, requires courts to provide language interpretation services, and mandates at least seven working days' notice for court proceedings unless exceptional circumstances are documented. Victims can appeal if a hearing is held with shorter notice, and courts must reschedule if the notice period was unjustified. The bill also creates a private right to sue for violations of the Act and waives government immunity for such claims.