HUMAN TRAFFICKING CHANGES

HB 86 removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking cases in New Mexico, allowing prosecutions to occur at any time. It raises the age for "sexual exploitation of children by prostitution" from 16 to 18 years and adds human trafficking to the definition of "racketeering" for legal purposes. The bill also defines "harm" in trafficking cases, prohibits specific defenses for traffickers, and expands protections by adding trafficking victims to the Victims of Crime Act. These changes directly affect human trafficking victims (especially minors), prosecutors, and defendants, focusing on strengthening legal tools to address trafficking. The bill was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.