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

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passed · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 234: DEFINITION OF FENTANYL

HB 234 defines "fentanyl" to include specific analogs like para-bromofentanyl and para-fluoroacetyl fentanyl, expanding the scope of substances covered under trafficking laws. This directly affects individuals charged with fentanyl trafficking by clarifying which substances trigger enhanced sentencing penalties. The bill amends sentencing provisions to apply stricter prison terms (3-5 years) based on the quantity of fentanyl or its analogs possessed, or if the defendant recruited others to traffic. The definition change ensures these specific synthetic opioids are treated as fentanyl under existing criminal sentencing statutes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by defining fentanyl analogs broadly and increasing mandatory sentencing (3-5 years) for trafficking, directly increasing penalties per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · New Mexico · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 49: INCREASE FELON FIREARM PENALTY

HB 49 increases penalties for felons who receive, transport, or possess firearms or destructive devices in New Mexico. It specifically raises the penalty for first-time felon firearm possession from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony, and to a first-degree felony for repeat offenses. The bill applies directly to individuals convicted of felonies who have not completed their sentence, probation, or received a pardon within the past ten years. Key provisions clarify definitions of "serious violent felon" and "destructive device" while raising criminal charges for violations. This policy change aims to strengthen restrictions on firearm access for certain convicted individuals.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases felony penalties for felon firearm possession, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing per its explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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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

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signed · New Mexico · House Mar 9, 2026

HM 13: 10-YEAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLAN

House Memorial 13, introduced by Representatives Andrea Romero and Christine Chandler, requests the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a task force to develop a 10-year plan and funding strategy for modernizing New Mexico's criminal justice system. The task force will address systemic issues like outdated law enforcement training, inconsistent case data reporting, high staff turnover, and frequent case dismissals that impact public safety and equal justice. It will create recommendations for standardized data collection, updated training programs aligned with national standards, career pathways for justice professionals, and a dedicated funding mechanism. The plan will involve input from diverse stakeholders including law enforcement, courts, tribal leaders, corrections, and community representatives to improve system efficiency and fairness.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequests task force to develop 10-year plan modernizing system, addressing systemic issues like outdated training and inconsistent reporting.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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 41: STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN SEX CRIMES

SB 41 eliminates the statute of limitations for specific sex crimes in New Mexico, including second, third, and fourth degree criminal sexual penetration and contact with minors, as well as related attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations. Prosecutors can now file charges for these crimes at any time, regardless of when they occurred. The bill also tolls the statute of limitations for child abandonment or abuse cases until the victim turns 18 or reports the abuse to law enforcement, whichever happens first. This change directly affects victims of these crimes and allows for prosecution without time constraints.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates statute of limitations for serious sex crimes, enabling prosecution regardless of time passed, advancing victim justice and accountability.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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 No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · New Mexico · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 61: AGGRAVATED BATTERY ON POLICE OFFICER

HB 61 increases penalties for assaulting police officers in New Mexico. It directly affects individuals who commit battery against officers while they are lawfully performing duties. The bill reclassifies two types of offenses: causing temporary disfigurement or loss of body function becomes a fourth-degree felony, while inflicting great bodily harm or using deadly weapons raises the charge to a second-degree felony. These changes modify existing criminal penalties under Section 30-22-25 of New Mexico law, making the most severe assaults carry significantly higher penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for assaulting police (reclassifies offenses as higher felonies), expanding criminalization and restricting defendant rights per oppose indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice