Carla Sonntag, President and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), expressed concern over Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's veto of Senate Bill 17, stating it reflects a failure to address the state's increasing crime problem. Sonntag communicated this view via email on March 26.
"Nothing meaningful was accomplished to correct the out-of-control crime in our state," said Sonntag. "SB 17, Parole and Parole Board Changes, passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, was vetoed by the Governor. The Governor has put on a political dog-and-pony show about addressing crime around the state, but when she has an opportunity to do something, she vetoes it."
New Mexico Senate Bill 17 proposed changes to the state's parole procedures for inmates sentenced to life imprisonment. The bill sought to modify the factors considered by the parole board, emphasizing the inmate's rehabilitation and readiness for reintegration into society. Despite unanimous approval in both legislative chambers—38-0 in the Senate on February 19, 2025, and 63-0 in the House on March 17, 2025—the Governor vetoed the bill on March 18.
According to Science Focus, Albuquerque ranks among the top ten most dangerous cities in the United States, with a violent crime rate of 1,369.14 felonies per 100,000 people. This rate surpasses both state and national averages. Despite its rich cultural history and status as New Mexico’s most populous city, Albuquerque has experienced a consistent rise in homicides and other serious offenses from 2019 to 2023. In response, the city has invested in crime-tracking technologies such as acoustic gunshot recognition and live video surveillance to address escalating violence.
Source NM reports that Senate Bill 17 aimed to reform New Mexico’s parole system by prioritizing rehabilitation over past crimes, protecting board members from political pressure, and improving scheduling for victims’ families. It clarified outdated laws and focused on reentry readiness. Former public defender Gail Evans Lewis commented on these efforts: "They’ve made tremendous changes, and they’ve done tremendous work within the institution."
Sonntag advocates for business interests in New Mexico through her role at NMBC. During COVID-19 shutdowns, she pushed for a reopening plan and drafted legislation aimed at curbing rising unemployment insurance costs, according to ABQ Connect.
