A BILL TO EXPAND BABY BRIANNA’S LAW IN NEW MEXICO IS HEADED TO THE STATE SENATE. AS IT IS NOW, ANYONE WHO IS CONVICTED OF INTENTIONAL CHILD ABUSE RESULTING IN DEATH CAN RECEIVE A LIFE SENTENCE, BUT ONLY IF THE VICTIM IS UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE. HOUSE BILL 45 REMOVES THAT AGE LIMIT, MAKING A LIFE SENTENCE POSSIBLE FOR ANYONE WHO KILLS A CHILD.
THE VOTE TO SEND THE BILL TO THE SENATE WAS 55 TO 8. IT HAD BEEN TABLED IN A HOUSE COMMITTEE BUT WAS THEN SCHEDULED FOR A SECOND HEARING IN WHICH IT PASSED 15 TO ONE.
THE LEGISLATION IS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE SARAH MAESTAS BARNES.
