Senator Joseph Cervantes announced that House Bill 8 expands treatment options for individuals with mental health issues to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. He made the statement in a press release on February 22.
"This legislation is a great step forward in addressing critical gaps in the criminal justice system and mental health services," said Cervantes, New Mexico State Senator. "By expanding the options for treatment, we will reduce recidivism."
According to the press release, HB 8 aims to strengthen public safety in New Mexico by increasing penalties for fentanyl trafficking, mass shooting threats, and vehicle theft. It also seeks to expand mental health treatment by allowing criminal commitment for individuals deemed incompetent but dangerous and providing outpatient treatment options for non-dangerous cases.
The Behavioral Health Reform Package includes Senate Bill 1, which creates a Behavioral Health Trust Fund for sustainable mental health funding; Senate Bill 2, which allocates $200 million for regional behavioral health services; and Senate Bill 3, which establishes a Behavioral Health Executive Committee to oversee statewide mental health resources and address service gaps.
NM Health reports that overdose deaths in New Mexico have declined by 8% since peaking at 1,029 deaths in 2021, with 948 deaths reported in 2023. Fentanyl was involved in 65% of overdose deaths, while methamphetamine was linked to 51%. The majority of deaths (84%) occurred among individuals aged 25-64, with the highest concentration (26%) in the 35-44 age group. Counties with the highest overdose rates in 2023 include Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel.
According to the New Mexico Legislature, Cervantes represents New Mexico's District 31 and has served in the Senate since 2013 after over a decade in the House (2001-2012). An attorney and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he holds degrees in architecture and law from UNM and Cal Poly. Cervantes lives in Las Cruces with his wife and three children.
