Yesterday, sponsors and advocates of Senate Bill 43, the Second Chance Bill, announced the removal of the bill from consideration in the New Mexico House of Representatives during the 2022 legislative session. SB 43 would have abolished juvenile life without parole in New Mexico and created early eligibility for parole for those serving long adult sentences for crimes committed as children. The bill would’ve brought New Mexico in line with recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and with a growing number of states that have already passed similar legislation.
Below is a statement from Denali Wilson, staff attorney for the ACLU of New Mexico.
“We are grateful to the diverse community who has gathered in unwavering support of this bill. While we are disappointed that negotiations failed and the bill will not proceed this session, we remain committed to fighting for reasonable reform. We know that all children are capable of redemption, and we are proud that the sponsors did not accept amendments that violate this truth. While the bill will not proceed this year, our work is not over. New Mexicans want and deserve a system that recognizes that children - even those who commit serious acts of violence - are capable of redemption and reform.”
