Enchantment State News

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her support after House Bill 8, a public safety omnibus package, passed the House floor with a 48-20 vote. She stated, "This crime package is a first step towards ensuring accountability for criminals and updating our criminal competency and civil commitment procedures. While it is an important step forward, our work isn’t finished. I urge the legislature to advance the remaining public safety bills. Each day that passes without action means more people get hurt and neighborhoods suffer. Get these public safety bills to my desk now—our communities deserve real protection, not more excuses. I will not stop until New Mexicans feel safe."

House Bill 8 proposes changes to sections of the Criminal Code concerning criminal competency and updates court procedures for civil commitment and treatment needs assessment. It also introduces stricter penalties for fentanyl trafficking and repeat automobile theft offenses.

Additionally, the bill addresses unlawful possession of weapon conversion devices known as Glock switches, which can convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms using 3D printing technology.

The legislation also includes amendments to the Motor Vehicle Code by incorporating offenses related to driving under the influence of cannabis alongside alcohol and controlled substances. It specifies conditions under which refusal to submit to a blood test may result in an aggravated DUI charge.

Key components of House Bill 8 include:

- House Bill 4: Revises sections of the Criminal Code on criminal competency.

- House Bill 16: Increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking.

- House Bill 38: Establishes unlawful possession of weapon conversion devices as a third-degree felony.

- House Bill 50: Allows multiple vehicle theft violations to affect sentencing with enhanced penalties.

- House Bill 103: Amends DUI-related offenses in the Motor Vehicle Code, including cannabis influence.