AS THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE ENDS IN SANTA FE, A BIPARTISAN CRIME BILL DID SURVIVE THE 30 DAY SESSION IN THE FINAL HOURS, WINNING APPROVAL FROM THE SENATE ON WEDNESDAY AND WAS SIGNED OFF ON BY THE HOUSE.
THE BILL TARGETS VIOLENT FELONS AND STIFFENS PENALTIES AGAINST THEM. IT ALSO LESSENS MINOR CRIME PENALTIES SO PROSECUTORS CAN FOCUS MORE ON SERIOUS CRIME … AND PROVIDES MEDICAL HELP FOR INMATES BEING RELEASED WHO HAVE MENTAL ILLNESS OR DRUG ADDICTIONS. THE BILL ALSO OFFERS RETENTION BONUSES TO VETERAN POLICE OFFICERS.
