VICTIM RECOVERY FOR INCARCERATED

HB 406 would allow people incarcerated in New Mexico jails, prisons, or correctional facilities to apply for victim compensation after their release if they were victims of crimes while incarcerated. It removes a previous barrier (a clause stating "no award shall be made") that prevented incarcerated victims from seeking compensation under the Crime Victims Reparation Act. The bill specifically enables individuals to file claims for crimes committed against them during their time in custody, following their release from confinement. This change directly affects incarcerated individuals who become victims of crimes while in state custody. The bill was introduced by Representative Pamelya Herndon and advanced through committees before being postponed indefinitely in June 2025.