SANTA FE, NM—Representative Bill Rehm (R-Bernalillo), who is a retired Bernalillo County Sheriff Captain, filed multiple bills today with the intention of curbing the out-of-control crime epidemic in New Mexico. The five anti-crime bills include ending the revolving door justice system, providing enhanced penalties for felons in possession of firearms, creating a new crime of carrying a gun while trafficking a controlled substance, stopping catalytic converter thefts, and clarifying the state’s embezzlement statute. 

Continued press release, all house bills and letter from Rehm to governor below:

Rep. Rehm stated, “Crime has been a major topic of frustration for many New Mexicans who feel unsafe and unheard, and I continue to see statistics showing the majority of crimes committed in New Mexico are by repeat offenders and by those who have been arrested but have been released under the current, ill-advised “catch and release” pre-trial process. Yet, session after session, legislation is introduced that would ensure criminals are held accountable for their actions, but these same proposals are summarily rejected in both House and Senate committees.”

If we want to reduce violent crime in New Mexico, we have to address the root of the problem and treat criminals like criminals. “The people of New Mexico have had enough with the prevailing soft on crime approach that has clearly failed”, said Rep. Rehm.  

Rep. Rehm also sent a letter to Governor Lujan Grisham asking that she include these five major anti-crime measures as part of the agenda for the upcoming 30-day session. In requesting the necessary “special message” that the state constitution requires for non-budget and non-revenue bills must receive from the governor to be considered during a 30-day session, Rep. Rehm emphasized the need for Republicans and Democrats to work together in getting serious about fighting crime.