Criminal Justice (Policing)

HB 313 creates the "Civil Relief from Coerced Debt Act" to help victims of abuse or exploitation (like domestic violence, human trafficking, or identity theft) escape debts they were forced to incur. It requires debtors to submit a verified statement with supporting evidence (such as police reports or medical documentation) to creditors, proving the debt was coerced. Creditors must then immediately stop collection efforts, return any payments made, remove negative credit reports, and refrain from selling the debt - all within 10 business days of receiving the statement. This law directly affects victims of coercion and all creditors, including debt collectors and debt buyers, who must follow these new procedures.

SB 206 allows parents to anonymously relinquish infants under 90 days old at designated safe haven sites (like hospitals, fire stations, or police stations) without facing criminal charges for abandonment. Parents have 90 days to contact the Children, Youth and Families Department to seek reunification; if they do not, the department must file to terminate parental rights automatically. Safe haven sites must provide parents with information about adoption services and reunification options, and the bill grants legal immunity to sites that install safe haven baby boxes. The law directly affects parents seeking anonymous relinquishment, infants under 90 days old, and state child welfare agencies managing the process.

HB 198 appropriates $2 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Health for fiscal year 2027 to provide behavioral health treatment and training specifically to first responders (such as police, firefighters, and EMTs). The bill directly affects first responders by funding mental health resources and specialized training, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund by year-end. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, focusing solely on allocating state resources for existing training programs.

SB 57 creates two new offenses for peace officers who conceal their identity during official duties: a misdemeanor for basic concealment (hiding face/badge/name during a search/seizure) and a fourth-degree felony for intentional deception (e.g., to intimidate or interfere with public records). It also expands impersonation laws to cover all federal/state/local officers and restricts private bail bond agents from impersonating police - banning government-style uniforms, badges, or titles like "federal" and prohibiting their use in immigration enforcement without a warrant. Bail agents may only display "Bail Enforcement Agent" on clothing but cannot disclose personal information for immigration purposes without legal authorization. The bill directly affects peace officers and private bail enforcement personnel in New Mexico.