NM HM13

Requests the Legislative Finance Committee convene a task force to develop a ten-year plan and funding strategy to modernize New Mexico's criminal justice system and address systemic problems affecting public safety and equal justice

Task force membership capped at 30 members, representing diverse criminal justice stakeholders including law enforcement, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, corrections officials, tribal law enforcement, and citizens reflecting the state's geographic and cultural diversity

Task force goals include establishing planning and oversight bodies, modernizing job descriptions and educational requirements, updating training curricula to national standards, standardizing data collection for system performance evaluation, and creating career pathways linked to the state college system

Report due to the interim committee studying courts, corrections, and justice issues by November 26, 2026, and to the governor and legislature by January 5, 2027, with recommended legislation for the 2027 session

Prompted by Legislative Finance Committee findings documenting high case dismissal rates, inconsistent crime reporting, outdated law enforcement training, high vacancy and turnover rates in critical positions, and costly civil rights litigation threatening local government finances