Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico, said that House Bill 8 is a crucial measure in tackling crime within the state by reforming competency evaluations and preventing repeat case dismissals. She made this statement during a live stream on February 27.
"By and large, those individuals are not in treatment, are not in programs," said Lujan Grisham, according to Facebook. "They're living on the streets or in our neighborhoods and communities, reoffending. Public safety is an issue that requires serious attention."
According to LegiScan, House Bill 8 revises competency evaluations by allowing courts to mandate treatment or commitment for defendants deemed incompetent. It expands the range of offenses eligible for criminal commitment, introduces community-based competency restoration for non-dangerous defendants, and authorizes district attorneys to request assisted outpatient treatment.
New Mexico currently has the highest violent crime rate in the United States, with 781 incidents per 100,000 people—more than double the national average—according to FBI data. The state also ranks third in property crime and has the second-highest rates of homicide and aggravated assault nationwide. SafeHome reports that Gallup, a smaller city along Route 66, holds the highest violent crime rate in New Mexico, surpassing larger cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
A survey conducted by CWS in 2025 found strong support among New Mexico voters for tougher crime laws. The survey revealed that 94% favor no bail for repeat violent offenders, 88% back stricter penalties for retail theft, and 93% support harsher sentences for fentanyl dealers. Additionally, 90% support efforts to block criminal activity at the southern border.
According to the Governor’s website, Lujan Grisham is New Mexico’s 32nd governor and the first Democratic Latina U.S. governor. She has prioritized education, healthcare, and economic growth during her tenure. A 12th-generation New Mexican, she previously chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and holds a law degree from the University of New Mexico.
