SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement following the rapid movement of three critical public safety bills through the Senate Judiciary Committee:
“The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved three more critically important bills contained in my historic plan to enhance public safety in New Mexico. I urge both chambers to quickly approve these bills and send them to my desk. We still have much work to do with less than 48 hours left to go in the session. I implore lawmakers to respond to the urgent demands of New Mexicans and pass the remaining bills in my public safety package so I can sign them into law.”

The bill approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday include:

• HB 316: This bill creates a new law which makes it illegal for a felon to use a firearm during the commission of a felony. The first offense carries an up to five-year sentence. Subsequent convictions have an up to nine-year sentence.
• SB 271: Establishes that when the court receives notice that a person on pretrial release for a felony crime has been arrested for an additional felony that person shall remain in custody without bond until each judge on each case holds a hearing to consider modification of the conditions of release.
• SB96: Raises the penalties for 2nd degree murder to up to 18 years, and attempted 2nd degree murder to 9 years.