New Mexico State Representative Nicole Chavez said that the recently signed House Bill 8 is a beginning, and legislators owe it to victims to deliver real crime solutions. This statement was made in a press release on February 27.
"We must start getting these common sense crime bills on committee agendas," said Chavez. "I'm glad that the Governor mentioned that these victims are still waiting for justice. And they will continue to wait for justice unless we take action now."
According to the press release, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 8, a Democrat-backed public safety measure, into law. While the bill addresses certain crime-related issues, House GOP Leader Representative Gail Armstrong remarked, "Democrats have said that their crime package was 'just the appetizer.' New Mexicans are waiting for the full meal." Similarly, Representative Andrea Reeb emphasized the need for further action, saying, "While House Bill 8 is a start to addressing New Mexico's crime crisis, more must be done. New Mexicans are demanding more and we are ready to deliver."
According to LegiScan, House Bill 8 modifies competency evaluations by permitting courts to require treatment or commitment for defendants deemed incompetent. It broadens the list of offenses eligible for criminal commitment, introduces community-based competency restoration for non-dangerous defendants, and allows district attorneys to request assisted outpatient treatment.
In a CWS research survey, 88% of respondents support increasing criminal penalties for retail theft and vandalism of property, with 61% strongly agreeing and 26% somewhat agreeing. Only 8% oppose the measure, reflecting broad bipartisan support for stricter consequences against property crimes.
The survey also found that 93% of respondents favor tougher penalties for fentanyl and other deadly drug dealers, with 79% strongly agreeing and 14% somewhat agreeing. Opposition is minimal, with only 5% against the measure, indicating overwhelming public demand for stricter drug enforcement policies.
According to her website, Chavez is a Republican candidate for New Mexico House District 31 and a crime victims' advocate. After her son’s tragic murder in 2015, she founded Robbed New Mexico to push for tougher crime laws.
