Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's decision to forge ahead with a special session of the New Mexico State Legislature on Thursday, July 18, despite backlash from her own party brought no advancement to her crime and public safety agenda. The session ended only hours after it began.
In a press conference the preceding day, Grisham issued a proclamation that gave urgency to discussing reform on several life-and-death issues, from drug overdoses to gun violence and organized crime.
To highlight the need, Grisham said on her website, “Just this week, a violent felon, previously convicted of shooting a Portales police officer, struck again. This time, tragically, the victim didn’t escape with their life.”
She expressed a willingness to compromise but urged lawmakers to work with her on immediate legislative action, saying, “Together, we can make our state safer for all.”
Several supporters joined the governor including Shaun Willoughby, president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, who said, “This is certainly a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting the citizens of the state, but it's merely a step, and we have a long way to go.”
Also acknowledging there’s no quick fix, Miguel Tittmann, IAFF Local 244 president, said, “The equation to solve tragic stories of homelessness and addiction that plague New Mexico city streets is complex and requires multiple angles of approach.”
It is no secret that the demand has been great to cancel the discussion since consensus is lacking on five measures Grisham pitched to address the safety plight. As reported July 16 in New Mexico Political Report, House Speaker Javier Martinez, a Democrat, took issue with the governor’s timing.
“We’re not afraid of hard work. We’re also not afraid of standing up for what is right, right now. And potentially rushing this is not right,” he said.
The governor, on the other hand, said legislators had four months to consider the proposals.
In addition to opposition within her own party, the ACLU of New Mexico, many advocates for the homeless as well as mental health experts, have all asked Grisham to call off the special session, according to a July 11 commentary by Pete Dinelli,
“The governor and her administration are now engaged in aggressive public relations efforts to try and convince lawmakers, local public officials, judges and the public that her recommended legislative changes are vital, will work and can be approved during the July 18th special session on public safety,” Dinelli wrote. He described the failure to reach a consensus on changes proposed by Grisham in April as a “reflection of failed leadership on both sides.”
The issues cited by the governor in her press release included intensifying efforts to treat mental health issues, a big factor in rising crime. She’s proposing that criminal defendants receive essential mental health services, which can be achieved by updating standards for criminal competency and mental health treatment. The definition of mental health treatment should go beyond danger to self and others, and consider other reasons for care, she said.
Additional problems included “inconsistent crime and ballistic reporting by law enforcement,” drug overdoses that claim hundreds of New Mexican lives each year—especially with the prevalence of fentanyl, and gun violence, one of the highest rates in the nation. She put organized crime on the same hit list calling for an update of the state’s Racketeering Act to effectively prosecute offenders.
With New Mexico leading the country in pedestrian deaths, many involving individuals like panhandlers lingering on road medians, the governor also emphasized the need to reduce these fatalities. Lastly, she prioritized the need for state intervention and support, along with federal assistance, to deal with recent South Fork and Salt fires, a declared major disaster.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, quoted in the governor’s press release, acknowledged that planning for a special session on crime or anything else is a challenge, but he held out hope for change.
“As a former state senator, I know that special sessions can be tough, and not all the details ready in advance, but at least there is chance the work can be done; that’s why I have always supported any special session that helps us face our toughest challenges head on. I trust that our state leaders and advocates can deliver helpful legislation for Albuquerque and all of New Mexico.”