New Mexico State Representative Andrea Reeb has expressed criticism of House Bill 8 (HB 8), stating that it fails to adequately address the issue of rising crime. In a press release dated February 12, she pledged to advocate for stronger public safety measures despite facing opposition from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
"New Mexicans have been calling for real solutions," said Reeb. "Democrats refuse to act, but we're ready to get to work."
According to LegiScan, HB 8 aims to reform competency evaluations by allowing courts to mandate treatment or commitment for defendants deemed incompetent. It also expands the list of crimes eligible for criminal commitment and establishes community-based competency restoration for non-dangerous defendants. Additionally, it grants district attorneys the authority to seek assisted outpatient treatment.
House Bill 107, introduced in the 2025 New Mexico Legislature, proposes stricter penalties for fentanyl trafficking. The bill suggests a nine-year sentence for first-time offenses and a twelve-year sentence if an overdose results in death. However, on February 8, 2025, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee tabled the bill, halting its progress.
A poll conducted by CWS Research found significant public support for tougher crime laws in New Mexico. According to the poll, 93% of voters support harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers, with unanimous backing from young adults aged 18-24 and Latinos. Furthermore, 94% favor holding repeat violent offenders without bail, including strong bipartisan support: 97% of Republicans, 90% of Independents, and 95% of Democrats.
Reeb's website highlights her background as a Clovis native and longtime prosecutor who served as the Ninth Judicial District Attorney with a conviction rate of 97%. She specialized in child crimes and high-profile corruption cases and has been an advocate for crime prevention legislation since 2014.
