Legislation would deter shooting threats and vehicle thefts

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Judiciary Committee (HJC) advanced two more priority policies that will be considered for inclusion in the House Democrats' integrated public safety package.

House Bill 31 would increase the penalty for making a shooting threat toward a school or public to a fourth-degree felony, aligning it with the state's penalty for bomb threats. It is sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Brian Baca (R-Los Lunas), and Andrea Reeb (R-Albuquerque).

"No child should fear going to school. Unfortunately, shooting threats have become all too common. This bill elevates the penalty for shooting threats to reflect the gravity of these crimes and hold offenders accountable," said bill sponsor Rep. Garratt. "Whether an individual is intending to take lives or just cause fear and panic, we are making clear that we will not tolerate threats of violence in schools and public places."

HJC also heard House Bill 50, which adjusts penalties for vehicle theft. Sponsored by Reps. Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque), Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque), D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock), and Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde). House Bill 50 would enhance penalties for repeat and habitual offenders. While current law only enhances penalties for multiple convictions for the same charge, such as theft, receiving, or transferring a stolen vehicle, HB 50 would increase penalties when there are multiple convictions for any of these vehicle theft-related charges.

"Auto theft is a serious problem for communities across New Mexico, not just in our big cities. House Bill 50 will help us crack down on the black market for stolen cars by making it easier for law enforcement to hold habitual offenders accountable for related crimes," said Rep. Sanchez.

This session, House and Senate Democrats are working together on a robust slate of legislation to improve community safety by reducing gun violence, deterring violent crime, and making record investments in behavioral health and substance use treatment programs to give New Mexicans the help they need when they need it. These proposals include a $200 million down payment to expand the state's behavioral healthcare capacity.

Bills recently heard in HJC for inclusion in an integrated package include:

House Bill 38: Possession of Weapon Conversion Device
House Bill 4: Criminal Competency and Treatment
House Bill 50: Penalties for Vehicle Thefts
House Bill 31: Fourth Degree Felony for Shooting Threat

Public safety bills headed to the House Floor:

House Bill 12: Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Changes

Public safety bills on the docket for House Judiciary:

House Bill 16: Fentanyl Trafficking Sentences
House Bill 86: Human Trafficking Changes

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2025 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.