Nicole Chavez, New Mexico State Representative for District 31, expressed concerns over House Bill (HB) 8, stating it fails to effectively address rising crime rates. She criticized the delay in action on this issue and pledged to advocate for stronger public safety measures. Chavez made these remarks in a press release on February 12.
"I've spent 10 years advocating for sensible solutions to crime," said Chavez. "It's time we start delivering for victims of violent crime and hold criminals accountable. If we fail to do that, then we have failed in our duty to protect the very people we were elected to serve."
House Bill 8 proposes revisions to competency evaluations, allowing courts to order treatment or commitment for incompetent defendants while expanding the range of crimes qualifying for criminal commitment. The bill also introduces community-based competency restoration for non-dangerous defendants and grants district attorneys the authority to request assisted outpatient treatment.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, a significant percentage of high school students reported involvement in physical fights and carrying weapons on school property, underscoring concerns over youth violence and school safety issues. These statistics highlight the urgent need for interventions addressing juvenile violence and its impact on communities.
House Bill 107, introduced during the 2025 New Mexico Legislature, seeks to impose stricter penalties for fentanyl trafficking. It proposes a nine-year sentence for first offenses and 12 years if an overdose results in death. However, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee tabled the bill on February 8, 2025, halting its progress.
A CWS Research poll indicated strong support among New Mexico voters for stricter crime laws. Ninety-three percent favor harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers, with unanimous approval among young adults (18-24) and Latinos. Additionally, there is broad bipartisan support—94% overall—for denying bail to repeat violent offenders.
Chavez is a Republican candidate for House District 31 known as a victims' rights advocate and healthcare leader. Following the loss of her son to violence, she founded Robbed New Mexico to push for tougher crime laws. Her website states that she is committed to justice, education, and economic development through her experience in legislation, business, and public safety.
