SANTA FE, NM – On Monday, January 24, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized the Second Chance Bill, SB 43, to be added to the agenda of the 30-day budget session. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico is now calling on the legislature to pass this bill. SB 43 would abolish juvenile life without parole in New Mexico and create early eligibility for parole for those serving long adult sentences for crimes committed as children in our state. The bill will bring New Mexico into compliance with recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and with national best practices.
In New Mexico, there are about 75 people serving sentences longer than 15 years for crimes committed as children. Many are serving sentences that practically guarantee that they will spend the rest of their lives in prison. Many have already spent decades in prison – some over 40 years – for crimes committed when they were 15 and 16 years old. Modern brain science and psychology have shown that youth are different from adults in important ways, including decision-making, impulsivity, and response to peer pressure. Science also reveals that youth possess a unique ability for reform and rehabilitation.
“All children are capable and worthy of redemption,” said Denali Wilson, staff attorney for the ACLU of New Mexico. “Senate Bill 43 doesn’t automatically throw open prison doors, but it does provide a path to redemption for those who earn it. This bill gives a second chance to young people who have grown into different people, are committed to repairing the harm they caused, and ready to safely rejoin society.”
The ACLU of New Mexico will continue to support efforts to get SB 43 to the finish line throughout this legislative session.
