New Mexico to Implement Stricter Anti-Crime Legislation

At a time when the rest of the country is pulling back on harsh sentencing and criminal legislation, New Mexico is preparing to implement stricter anti-crime laws.

According to The Associated Press, New Mexico lawmakers met last week to discuss their new agenda, which may involve extending prison sentences and expanding on anti-crime measures such as the three-strike law.

The state's tougher stance on crime is likely motivated by recent tragedies, including the killings of two police officers and the shooting of 4-year-old Lilly Garcia in a road rage incident.

"What we're trying to do is provide legislative solutions to keep this handful of violent offenders off the street," said New Mexico House Majority Leader, Rep. Nate Gentry of Albuquerque. "Our No. 1 job as legislators is to make sure people are safe in their homes."

The proposed legislative changes bring to mind the wave of anti-crime laws introduced in the 1990s, many of which other states are now looking to reverse.

The Washington Post reports one proposal would widen the list of violent felonies applicable under the three-strike law. Violent offenders with three or more convictions would be more likely to receive life sentences.

According to The Post, law enforcement officials have complained that the law is too narrow, achieving little effect since its implementation in the '90s. Lilly Garcia's mother, who lost her daughter to a repeat offender, has also supported a change.

Republican politician Gentry also proposed making assaults and killings of police officers punishable as a hate crime. However, the idea has been opposed by many Democrats who believe the change may have little effect on deterring attacks on law enforcement. The law would also be introduced at a time of nationwide outrage in response to unnecessary killings and excessive force by the police.

One measure that has received bipartisan support is a proposed reform of the bail bond system, which would allow judges to deny bond to suspects who pose a risk to the public. On the other hand, a provision in the amendment would allow for non-violent criminal suspects without money to be granted bail.