The New Mexico State Senate has passed the New Mexico Parole Board Modernization Act (SB 17) unanimously, aiming to update the state's parole system for the first time since 1980. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Leo Jaramillo and Representative Nicole Chavez, seeks to base parole decisions on evidence rather than outdated criteria.

Denali Wilson, an attorney at ACLU of New Mexico, commented on the passage: "This Senate victory marks a crucial step forward for New Mexico's parole system. We're now closer than ever to ensuring our state makes decisions based on meaningful evidence rather than outdated considerations." Wilson added that the modernization would benefit not only those in prison but also crime victims and public safety.

Key elements of the bill include safeguarding the political independence of the parole board, clarifying reimbursement for board member service, and improving hearing schedules. Representative Nicole Chavez emphasized its importance: “This bill safeguards the right of crime victims to participate in the parole process and ensures that hearings are not unduly harmful to them because of inconsiderate scheduling practices.”

A significant change proposed by SB 17 is prohibiting parole hearings from being scheduled on anniversaries related to crimes involving loss of life. This aims to reduce emotional stress on victims' families.

These reforms are intended to align New Mexico's parole system with professional recommendations and successful evidence-based practices used elsewhere. The bill will next be considered by the House of Representatives.