A group of families who have lost loved ones to violent crimes are working with New Mexico lawmakers to enact stricter crime bills in the state. 

According to a KRQE report, Robbed New Mexico, an advocacy group for families who have lost loved ones to violent crimes, is working with legislators to advance a trio of bills in Santa Fe, including reforming bail to keep violent criminals in jail as well as tougher penalties for second-degree murder offenders. 

“We don’t want their lives to be lost in vain,” Nicole Chavez, the co-founder of Robbed New Mexico, told KEQE. “A lot of different lawmakers are showing interest in these crime bills because they work here in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and they see that crime is an issue.” 

Chavez’ son, Jaydon Chavez-Silver was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2015, and according to KRQE, Esias Madrid received a life sentence for his murder. The report noted that six months after the Chavez-Silver shooting, Madrid shot and killed another teen in a dispute over beer pong.  

One of the bills that Robbed New Mexico is promoting is a three-strikes bill that would remove the possibility of parole for suspects who kill more than two people. 

The legislature begins its session on Jan. 18, and according to the station, will be considering a “second chance” bill which would grant murderers a parole hearing after 15 years if they were convicted as a juvenile, a proposal Robbed New Mexico plans to oppose.