SANTA FE, NM – Today, the New Mexico State Senate unanimously passed the New Mexico Parole Board Modernization Act (SB 17), taking the state one step closer to ensuring fair, evidence-based decisions in the state's parole system. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senator Leo Jaramillo and Representative Nicole Chavez, would implement the first major updates to the state's parole criteria since 1980.
"This Senate victory marks a crucial step forward for New Mexico's parole system. We're now closer than ever to ensuring our state makes decisions based on meaningful evidence rather than outdated considerations," said Denali Wilson, attorney at ACLU of New Mexico. "This modernization effort would improve outcomes not only for people in prison but also for crime victims and public safety overall."
The bill addresses several critical gaps in the current system, including protecting the political independence of the parole board, clarifying reimbursement for parole board member service, and ensuring more considerate scheduling of hearings.
“This bill safeguards the right of crime victims to participate in the parole process and ensures that hearings are not unduly harmful to them because of inconsiderate scheduling practices,” said co-sponsor Representative Nicole Chavez.
Currently, parole hearings often coincide with crime anniversaries, creating unnecessary emotional strain on victims' families. The legislation would prohibit scheduling hearings on victims' birth or death dates in cases involving loss of life.
These reforms would bring New Mexico's parole system in line with professional recommendations and evidence-based practices that have proven effective elsewhere.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
