NM Crime Victim Advocates Urge Governor to Sign SB 36–Data Privacy Bill

Over twenty New Mexico coalitions and organizations that provide vital support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault sent a letter today to Gov. Lujan Grisham urging her to sign Senate Bill 36, legislation that would protect the sensitive personal information and driver’s license records of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes while also strengthening community safety throughout New Mexico.

New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, New Mexico Coaliton of Sexual Assault Programs, and the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commmission of the City of Albuquerque are among the statewide and regional organizations supporting final enactment of this legislation.

“Survivors depend on access to state-issued identification, driver’s licenses, and essential services to maintain their independence. Without clear protections for their personal data, these lifelines become sources of danger. SB 36 ensures that state systems do not become another failed link in the safety net,” the letter reads.

SB 36 limits the disclosure of sensitive personal information by state agencies and their employees, information that may make vulnerable populations feel targeted by individuals or by some federal agencies. Protected sensitive information would include a person’s status as a crime victim or recipient of public assistance, LGBTQ status, national origin, and immigration status. It would also limit the New Mexico Division of Motor Vehicle’s sale of MVD data for the purposes of civil immigration enforcement. One of the bill’s chief aims is to ensure survivors can seek help without fear of their personal data being misused or shared without consent.

“When personal sensitive information isn’t protected, trust in our institutions breaks down, abusers go unpunished, and public safety is compromised,” stated MaryEllen Garcia, the Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Senate Bill 36 is not just about confidentiality—it’s about survival, justice, and ensuring that no system meant to protect victims becomes a tool for their harm.”

“The best way to support survivors, especially those from the most vulnerable communities, is to provide vital and confidential community care and services for everyone in New Mexico. Senate Bill 36 will ensure that people can get the support they need without the added fear that their information will become public,” stated Alexandria Taylor, Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.

“By signing SB36 into law, Governor Lujan Grisham would be taking an important step in ensuring that all New Mexicans—including vulnerable immigrant communities—are protected,” said Sara Yvonne “Bonnie” Escobar Executive Director of Enlace Comunitario, an agency providing services to Latine and immigrant domestic violence survivors. “This legislation is about safeguarding the privacy of survivors, building trust in state systems, and making sure no one fears seeking help because they worry their personal information will be used against them. SB36 ensures that all New Mexicans can access essential services with confidence, knowing their sensitive data is protected.”

“Our communities are safer when trust between local government agencies and immigrant families remains strong,” said Teresa Garcia, Chairperson for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission of the City of Albuquerque. “No victim should have to choose between their individual safety and being exposed to federal immigration agencies. That reality not only harms survivors but also undermines public safety and weakens trust in the very systems designed to protect all residents of New Mexico. That’s why we strongly support SB36.”

The Albuquerque commission includes service providers, a shelter, law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Second Judicial District Court, among other agencies.

SB36 is one of the only bills protecting immigrants sent to the Governor’s desk by the N.M. Legislature this year. Somos Acción, EL CENTRO Poder y Acción, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, the Conference of Catholic Bishops, and crime victim advocates across the state supported the legislation at multiple hearings.

To read the full sign-on letter, click here.