Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has vetoed Senate Bill 17, known as the New Mexico Parole Board Modernization Act. This decision comes despite the bill's unanimous approval in both legislative chambers. The governor expressed concerns about a specific provision that would limit her authority to remove parole board members.
The contested provision aimed to protect board members from arbitrary removal unless malfeasance was involved. It drew on models from other states and recommendations from national nonpartisan experts, intending to safeguard board members while ensuring accountability.
Sponsored by Senator Leo Jaramillo, Representative Nicole Chavez, and Representative Andrea Romero, the bill proposed significant updates to New Mexico's parole criteria for the first time since 1980. Key changes included revising factors considered in parole decisions, clarifying reimbursement for board service, and improving hearing schedules for victims' families.
Leon Howard of ACLU-NM commented on the veto: “This bipartisan bill would have brought essential reforms to our parole system, benefiting both the community and crime victims.” He emphasized that the unanimous passage of SB 17 demonstrated public support that should be respected by state leadership.
Lena Weber of ACLU of New Mexico criticized the veto: “This veto message embodies the very kind of executive attitude we hoped to protect the parole board from in passing SB 17.” She stressed that protecting board members from political influence is crucial for an effective parole system.
Denali Wilson, a staff attorney at ACLU-NM, also voiced disappointment: “Lawmakers had the opportunity to pass strong and urgently needed protections for vulnerable communities... To now have the governor defend her power to remove public officers without cause by vetoing legislation that received overwhelming support is deeply disappointing.”
