William Sharer, a New Mexico State Senator, has emphasized the need for stricter crime policies in the state. He argues that leniency and misdirected efforts on gun control fail to address the core issue of crime in New Mexico. Sharer expressed these views during a podcast with New Mexico Sun on March 5.
"Right now, they're pretty sure that they won't be caught because we've neutered the police," said Sharer. "Some people are focusing on the wrong thing, it's not about guns, it's about crime. We've been just pouring money into Behavioral Health with no benefit at all for a decade."
In the podcast, Sharer said that criminals are often released quickly from jail because "the courts think that they have to let everybody out." He acknowledged the existence of behavioral health problems and individuals needing help but maintained that there are also criminals who require firm action. "A hug is not going to stop them; this is their business," he said. Sharer called for an end to "catch and release" policies, advocating instead for swift and certain punishment as a deterrent to crime.
An MNBC research survey indicates strong public support for tougher criminal penalties. The survey found that 88% of respondents favor increasing penalties for retail theft and vandalism, with 61% strongly agreeing and 26% somewhat agreeing. Only 8% opposed the measure. Furthermore, 93% of respondents support harsher penalties for fentanyl and other deadly drug dealers, with 79% strongly agreeing and 14% somewhat agreeing; only 5% were in opposition.
According to the Governor's website, House Bill 8 was signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on February 27, 2025. This public safety omnibus package aims to strengthen New Mexico’s criminal justice system by including provisions such as criminal competency reform, stricter penalties for auto theft and fentanyl trafficking, and the criminalization of weapon conversion devices like "Glock switches." It also enhances penalties for shooting threats and allows warrant-based blood draws for misdemeanor DWI investigations.
The New Mexico Senate Republicans note that Senator Bill Sharer has represented Farmington and surrounding areas in the State Senate since 2001. A native of New Mexico and former U.S. Army officer, Sharer also runs successful local businesses.
