ADDITIONS TO "DELINQUENT ACT"

HB 163 amends New Mexico's Delinquency Act to define unlawful possession of cannabis and alcohol by minors as a "delinquent act." It directly affects children under 18 who possess cannabis or alcohol in prohibited settings, such as public places or retail establishments without parental supervision. The bill adds specific provisions: possessing cannabis (except under the Compassionate Use Act) or being present in liquor establishments (outside restaurants) without a parent/guardian now triggers juvenile court involvement. This expands the list of activities that would be treated as juvenile offenses under the law. The bill was referred to committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025.