SANTA FE, NM - As the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session comes to a close, a coalition of community organizations and community groups is weighing in on the legislature's actions on public safety. While acknowledging some positive steps forward, the coalition emphasizes that much work remains to be done to truly address the state's pressing public safety concerns, specifically addressing root causes through community-driven solutions.
Some meaningful pieces of legislation passed include significant investments in behavioral health and a housing bill (SB 267) that will increase transparency and affordability for renters. These measures represent important steps forward, though coalition members emphasize that a comprehensive approach to public safety requires additional action in future sessions.
“We appreciate the efforts made by lawmakers to pass meaningful legislation this session, such as housing application fees (SB 267),” said Monet Silva, executive director, New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. “However, we cannot ignore the fact that many critical bills were left on the table, leaving our communities vulnerable and underserved.”
The legislature failed to pass several critical bills that would have provided essential support for New Mexicans through diversion programs, addiction treatment, housing stability, behavioral health services, and economic assistance—creating pathways away from the criminal legal system while building stronger, healthier communities.
The bills include:
- HB 354 - creating a statewide Criminal Justice Diversion pilot project
- HB 355 - allowing the Department of Health to license Overdose Prevention Centers
- SB 325 - creating opportunities for incarcerated people to be trained as drug and substance abuse counselors
- HB 70 - expanding access to home- and community-based services to individuals with psychiatric conditions
- HB 339 - prohibiting landlords from discriminating against qualified renters based on their source of income
- HB 253 - allowing certain eviction records to be sealed
- SB 177 - creating uniform protections for immigrant survivors of crimeHB 426 - giving residents the opportunity to purchase mobile home parks
“These omissions are particularly concerning given the ongoing struggles our state faces with substance abuse, behavioral healthcare, foster care, housing stability and homelessness, and generational poverty,” said Marshall Martinez, executive director, Equality New Mexico. “We urge lawmakers to prioritize data-driven solutions, especially for addiction treatment and mental health crises in future sessions and work towards a more holistic approach to public safety that addresses root causes and promotes community well-being.”
Despite these shortcomings, the coalition remains committed to working with lawmakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to advance a meaningful public safety agenda that prioritizes prevention, equity, and human dignity.
“We recognize that progress is often incremental, but we cannot afford to wait. We will continue to organize, advocate, and push for meaningful change,” said Rachel Biggs, chief strategy officer for Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless. “New Mexicans deserve nothing less.”
"While we can acknowledge steps forward this session, New Mexico still has significant work to do in reimagining public safety,” said Lena Weber, interim policy director for the ACLU of New Mexico. “The bills that didn't pass would have provided essential resources for struggling New Mexicans—from those battling with substance use to people facing housing insecurity. We need a comprehensive approach that addresses these underlying issues if we're serious about creating safer communities. When we invest in prevention and support rather than just reaction, everyone benefits."
Coalition Members:
- ACLU of New Mexico
- Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless
- Bold Futures NM
- Center for Civic Policy
- Enlace Comunitario
- Equality New Mexico
- New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness
- New Mexico Eviction Prevention
- NM Native Vote
- OLÉ New Mexico
- Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico
