Comprehensive, Bipartisan Public Safety Package Moves Ahead

House Judiciary Committee Omnibus Would Increase Safety in New Mexico Communities

By NM House Republicans

Santa Fe, NM- Today, a bipartisan, comprehensive public safety package passed the New Mexico House of Representatives with broad support. The package includes bills sponsored by Reps. Nate Gentry (R-Albuquerque), Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque), David E. Adkins (R-Albuquerque), Reps. Elizabeth Thomson (D-Albuquerque), and Daymon Ely (D-Corrales). This package is a bipartisan effort to keep New Mexico communities safe by using a framework that addresses crime across the entire criminal justice system.

The bill sponsors praised the bipartisan effort and highlighted the importance of getting the bill to the Governor’s desk.

“With this bill, we tried to take a comprehensive view of the problems contributing to New Mexico’s skyrocketing crime rates. These proposals not only increase sentences for violent repeat criminals, but they include important prevention measures to help offenders treat their substance abuse and mental health issues and help break the cycle of crime. I thank my co-sponsors and the Speaker of the House for their hard work to put this bill together and move it forward to the Senate,” said Rep. Nate Gentry.

“This package includes a common-sense approach that keeps cops on the streets to focus on serious crimes, while reducing the backlog in the courts. It’s a good package that will tackle issues that increase public safety as a whole,” said Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas.

“New Mexicans urged us to do more to protect them from the rampant crime taking place in their communities, and we have acted. By taking this comprehensive approach, we can make our state a safer place to live and raise a family,” said Rep. David Adkins.

“This is a proactive solution to address crime and ensure New Mexicans feel safe in their communities. I am glad to take this back to my district, and tell them that we’ve worked together on a solution that will help make our communities safer,” said Rep. Elizabeth Thomson.

“This bipartisan package looks at the entire system – law enforcement, prosecution and defense, courts and corrections, and behavioral health – to increase public safety. I’m pleased we’re taking this step together and look forward to working on other measures that will address this issue that affects my constituents back at home,” said Rep. Daymon Ely.