Enchantment State News

At the end of New Mexico's 60-day legislative session, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham acknowledged some progress in public safety legislation but stressed the need for further action following a mass shooting in Las Cruces. The tragic event resulted in three deaths and at least 15 injuries, highlighting a concerning 46 percent rise in violent crime compared to last year.

Governor Lujan Grisham has activated state resources to aid local law enforcement's investigation into the incident. She emphasized the necessity for a special session to tackle persistent public safety issues exacerbated by this tragedy.

“While we made progress on universal free school lunch, literacy, water planning, and firefighting resources, I cannot ignore that we failed to adequately address the public safety crisis facing our state,” stated Lujan Grisham. “With 270 public safety bills introduced this session and only a handful passed, we have not met our responsibility to New Mexicans.”

The legislature managed to pass 194 out of 1,182 proposed bills addressing various areas such as economic development, healthcare, education, and water security. The $10.8 billion recurring budget includes provisions for state employee pay raises and reserves amounting to 30%. Other legislative achievements include bills promoting child welfare, healthcare access, economic growth, and water security.

Among significant public safety measures passed were HB 8 focusing on criminal competency and penalties related to gun auto conversion devices like Glock switches. It also increased penalties for making shooting threats and trafficking fentanyl while expanding DWI blood testing protocols. Additionally, lawmakers approved HB 12 concerning Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Orders and SB 70 which enhances the Racketeering Act against organized crime leaders.

However, several critical bills did not pass. These included proposals addressing juvenile crime issues such as possession of stolen firearms or shootings from vehicles. A bill aimed at increasing penalties for felons with firearms or pretrial confinement of violent offenders was also rejected without debate.

“The reluctance to have even one productive debate on reducing juvenile crime is shameful,” said Lujan Grisham. “When New Mexicans are demanding action and we’re seeing tragedies like what happened in Las Cruces policymakers must respond with urgency and resolve.”

The failure to pass comprehensive juvenile crime legislation or an assault weapons ban is troubling given recent events including last year's killing of Officer Jonah Hernandez in Las Cruces alongside Friday’s mass shooting.

“As we conclude this legislative session my heart goes out to the victims of the Las Cruces shooting their families and entire community,” expressed Governor Lujan Grisham “This senseless act of violence tears at fabric our state must strengthen resolve protect all New Mexicans committed working across levels government community partners implement comprehensive solutions address root causes gun violence.”