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 60: REVISE CERTAIN CRIMINAL OFFENSE DEFINITIONS

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim services eligibility for crimes against peace officers, ensuring access to compensation under Victims of Crime Act, aligning with victim protection in criminal justice.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

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 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