Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed her support for House Bill 8, a comprehensive public safety package that recently passed the New Mexico House of Representatives with a vote of 48-20. The bill aims to enhance accountability and update procedures related to criminal competency and civil commitment.
"This crime package is a first step towards ensuring accountability for criminals and updating our criminal competency and civil commitment procedures," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. She emphasized the importance of continuing legislative efforts, stating, "I urge the legislature to advance the remaining public safety bills."
House Bill 8 introduces significant changes to existing laws, including tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking and repeat automobile theft offenses. It also creates new legal consequences for possessing weapon conversion devices, commonly known as Glock switches, which can transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic ones using 3D printing technology.
The bill further addresses issues related to driving under the influence by amending the Motor Vehicle Code. This includes defining offenses involving cannabis use alongside alcohol and other controlled substances while driving, as well as specifying conditions under which refusal to undergo blood testing can result in aggravated DUI charges.
Several key pieces of legislation have been integrated into House Bill 8:
- House Bill 4 focuses on revising sections of the Criminal Code regarding criminal competency.
- House Bill 16 seeks to increase penalties associated with fentanyl trafficking.
- House Bill 38 targets unlawful possession of weapon conversion devices with severe legal repercussions.
- House Bill 50 allows cumulative vehicle theft violations to impact sentencing.
- House Bill 103 amends DUI-related provisions in both vehicular and boating contexts.
Gov. Lujan Grisham remains committed to advancing these measures, underscoring their necessity for community safety: "Each day that passes without action means more people get hurt and neighborhoods suffer... I will not stop until New Mexicans feel safe."
