DELINQUENCY ACT CHANGES

HB 125 amends New Mexico's juvenile justice laws by expanding the definitions of "delinquent act," "youthful offender," and "serious youthful offender" in the Delinquency Act and Criminal Sentencing Act. The bill adds specific offenses to the list of delinquent acts, including driving under the influence, alcohol and cannabis possession by minors, graffiti, and violating an order of protection. It also adjusts criteria for youthful offender status, such as including 14-year-olds convicted of first-degree murder and minors with three prior felony adjudications. These changes directly affect minors in New Mexico who commit these offenses, altering how their cases are classified under juvenile justice.