Criminal Justice

passed · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 206: CRIME VICTIM REPARATION ADDITIONAL CRIMES

This bill expands New Mexico's Crime Victims Reparation Act to include victims of assault, battery, criminal sexual contact, and armed robbery. It amends the law to explicitly list these offenses as qualifying for financial reparation, ensuring victims of these crimes can access compensation. The change modifies existing law (Section 31-22-8 NMSA 1978) by adding these specific crimes to the enumerated list of qualifying offenses. It does not cover property damage, as clarified in the current law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim compensation eligibility for specific violent crimes (assault, battery, etc.), strengthening victim support within criminal justice system per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

passed · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 49: INCREASE FELON FIREARM PENALTY

HB 49 increases penalties for felons who receive, transport, or possess firearms or destructive devices in New Mexico. It specifically raises the penalty for first-time felon firearm possession from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony, and to a first-degree felony for repeat offenses. The bill applies directly to individuals convicted of felonies who have not completed their sentence, probation, or received a pardon within the past ten years. Key provisions clarify definitions of "serious violent felon" and "destructive device" while raising criminal charges for violations. This policy change aims to strengthen restrictions on firearm access for certain convicted individuals.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases felony penalties for felon firearm possession, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing per its explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

signed · New Mexico · House Mar 9, 2026

HM 13: 10-YEAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLAN

House Memorial 13, introduced by Representatives Andrea Romero and Christine Chandler, requests the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a task force to develop a 10-year plan and funding strategy for modernizing New Mexico's criminal justice system. The task force will address systemic issues like outdated law enforcement training, inconsistent case data reporting, high staff turnover, and frequent case dismissals that impact public safety and equal justice. It will create recommendations for standardized data collection, updated training programs aligned with national standards, career pathways for justice professionals, and a dedicated funding mechanism. The plan will involve input from diverse stakeholders including law enforcement, courts, tribal leaders, corrections, and community representatives to improve system efficiency and fairness.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequests task force to develop 10-year plan modernizing system, addressing systemic issues like outdated training and inconsistent reporting.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New Mexico · Senate Mar 6, 2026

SB 3: COMMITMENT PROCEDURE CHANGES & DEFINITIONS

SB 3 clarifies key definitions in New Mexico's mental health laws, specifically adding precise criteria for "harm to self" and "harm to others" within the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. It defines "harm to self" to include both imminent suicide risk and an inability to meet basic needs (like food or safety) that would cause serious harm without treatment. Similarly, it defines "harm to others" as past violent behavior likely to recur, based on observable actions causing reasonable fear. These definitions directly affect courts, healthcare providers, and legal decisions regarding involuntary treatment commitments under the law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies mental health commitment criteria to prevent unnecessary criminal justice involvement, aligning with reform goals like diversion from courts.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies mental health commitment criteria to improve patient access and treatment eligibility under defined harm scenarios.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New Mexico · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 41: STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN SEX CRIMES

SB 41 eliminates the statute of limitations for specific sex crimes in New Mexico, including second, third, and fourth degree criminal sexual penetration and contact with minors, as well as related attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations. Prosecutors can now file charges for these crimes at any time, regardless of when they occurred. The bill also tolls the statute of limitations for child abandonment or abuse cases until the victim turns 18 or reports the abuse to law enforcement, whichever happens first. This change directly affects victims of these crimes and allows for prosecution without time constraints.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates statute of limitations for serious sex crimes, enabling prosecution regardless of time passed, advancing victim justice and accountability.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New Mexico · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 43: PAROLE REQUIREMENT CHANGES

SB 43 changes New Mexico's parole process for inmates sentenced to life imprisonment. It requires the parole board to prioritize an inmate's risk level, participation in rehabilitation programs, and readiness to rejoin society when considering release, while also weighing offense details and victim impact. The bill sets a minimum five-year parole period for life sentences (unless reduced for public safety) and mandates a written parole plan and signed conditions of release before an inmate can be freed. Additionally, it updates compensation rules for parole board members and hearing scheduling procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrioritizes rehabilitation programs and risk assessment over punitive measures, aligning with reform goals to reduce recidivism and improve reintegration.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New Mexico · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 40: DRIVER PRIVACY AND SAFETY ACT

SB 40, the "Driver Privacy and Safety Act," limits how law enforcement and private entities can share automated license plate reader (ALPR) data. It prohibits sharing ALPR information for immigration enforcement, investigating protected health care activities (like reproductive or gender-affirming care), or targeting constitutionally protected speech. The law makes ALPR data confidential (not public record), requires court orders for private data sales, and mandates quarterly reports to the attorney general on out-of-state data requests. Violations can result in $10,000 fines per incident.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement ALPR data sharing for immigration/protected activities, enhancing privacy and accountability - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits sharing ALPR data for immigration enforcement, directly limiting state cooperation with federal immigration efforts per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts ALPR data sharing for privacy protections, explicitly preventing misuse in sensitive areas like health care and speech, aligning with data privacy safeguards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New Mexico · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 255: PUBLIC SAFETY WORKFORCE BUILDING PROGRAM

HB 255 creates a dedicated state fund to help counties and public safety agencies recruit and retain workers in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public defender offices. The program provides competitive grants for recruitment bonuses, training, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and equipment tied to workforce development - *not* for base salaries or new positions. Grant applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives address local staffing gaps, with priority given to areas with high vacancy rates or crime. All funds must be spent within two years, and grantees must submit annual progress reports to the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated state fund for public safety workforce grants, increasing budget allocation for essential services like law enforcement recruitment and training.92% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds recruitment/retention in law enforcement, corrections, and public defender offices to address staffing gaps, directly strengthening criminal justice system workforce capacity.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides grants for recruitment bonuses and training to address public safety staffing gaps, supporting workforce retention in key employment sectors.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New Mexico · House Feb 7, 2026

HB 9: IMMIGRANT SAFETY ACT

HB 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, prohibits New Mexico state and local government entities - including sheriffs' departments, schools, and public agencies - from entering into agreements or using public property to detain individuals for federal immigration enforcement. It requires existing agreements facilitating such detentions to be terminated upon the law's effective date. The bill specifically bans public bodies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on detention and ensures local policies align with these restrictions. Currently passed by both legislative chambers, it awaits the governor's signature to become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on detentions, protecting civil rights and limiting overreach in criminal justice enforcement.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state/local entities from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement on detentions, directly aligning with 'limits cooperation' support indicator.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice