Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) pre-filed four bills focused on public safety in New Mexico. These measures were initially introduced by Senator Brantley and Senator Steven McCutcheon (R-Carlsbad) during the 2024 Public Safety Special Session but did not receive a hearing.
The proposed legislation includes increasing penalties for selling or distributing fentanyl, adding a first-degree murder charge for fentanyl distribution resulting in death, appropriating funds to enhance communications infrastructure for border security and surveillance, and prohibiting state and local governments from adopting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities, effectively banning "sanctuary cities."
Senator Brantley said, "Border security is public safety—whether you live in the metro or on a cattle ranch miles from the nearest town, the impacts of our failure to secure the border reverberate around the state. These are bills aimed at the heart of what we as legislators see in our districts: abundant fentanyl, isolated law enforcement, and lack of connectivity. Back in April, the Governor and the leaders of the legislature claimed mine and other public safety measures were not given enough time to be properly vetted through the legislative process. Now, eight months later, our constituents cannot afford to wait any longer."
Additionally, Senator Brantley will work with other border legislators on these measures including Senator Gabriel Ramos (R-Silver City), who was reelected as a Republican after previously representing Senate District 28 as a Democrat. Senator Ramos will be sworn into office later this month.
Senator Ramos commented alongside Senator Brantley: "We have an unprecedented public safety crisis unfolding at the southern border—one that demands our immediate attention and action. I know the legislative process and the urgency by which we must address these important issues. I'm eager to collaborate with my friend Senator Brantley on accomplishing these and other critical public safety measures."
