VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT CHANGES

HB 445 expands New Mexico's Victims of Crime Act to cover all crime victims suffering bodily harm or property damage exceeding $1,000, replacing a previous list of specific violent crimes with a broader definition. It redefines "victim" to include anyone directly harmed by any qualifying crime, requires law enforcement to treat victims with dignity and privacy, and mandates electronic notification systems for victims about offender releases pre- and post-conviction. The bill also updates "formally charged" to include filing a criminal complaint and strengthens victims' rights to notice, restitution, and property return. This legislation directly affects all New Mexico crime victims, not just those of specified violent offenses. The bill was referred to committees in February 2025 but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.