SB 31, the U Visa Certification Act, creates a standardized process for New Mexico victims of serious crimes (like domestic violence, trafficking, or assault) to obtain state certification needed for federal U visas. It requires local law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts to process certification requests within 30 days (14 days for urgent cases) and provides clear appeal steps if denied. Victims must have assisted investigations, but certifications cannot be denied due to case closures or lack of convictions. The law specifies qualifying crimes, defines key terms, and mandates written explanations for denials to streamline access to federal immigration relief without altering U visa eligibility rules.
HB 60 amends New Mexico's Victims of Crime Act to expand the definition of "criminal offense" to specifically include certain crimes committed against peace officers, such as aggravated assault, battery, or assault with intent to commit a violent felony. This change directly affects victims of these specific offenses by ensuring they qualify for victim services and compensation under the Act. The bill adds 3 new provisions (22-24 in the definition list) referencing crimes against officers under Section 30-22-22 to 30-22-25 of the state criminal code. It does not alter criminal penalties but adjusts eligibility for victim support programs. The bill was referred to committee with a "DO PASS" recommendation.
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.
