The proposed bill seeks to enhance the legal framework addressing human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children in New Mexico. It removes the time limitation for prosecuting human trafficking offenses, allowing for prosecution at any time after the crime occurs. The bill raises the age for sexual exploitation of children by prostitution from sixteen to eighteen years and includes human trafficking in the definition of "racketeering." Additionally, it amends the elements of human trafficking, introduces a definition of "harm," and prohibits certain defenses in related prosecutions. The legislation also expands the Victims of Crime Act to encompass victims of these crimes and prohibits earned meritorious deductions for individuals convicted of human trafficking, underscoring the severity of the offense.

Moreover, the bill outlines new provisions regarding meritorious deductions for prisoners, specifying eligibility criteria and conditions under which deductions can be awarded. It allows for lump-sum deductions with a cap of one year per award and establishes ineligibility for those who disobey labor orders or are confined for serious violent offenses, which now includes human trafficking. The bill ensures that prisoners in federal or out-of-state facilities can earn deductions based on conduct and mandates equal treatment for those in private correctional facilities. It also allows earned meritorious deductions for parolees, contingent on compliance with parole conditions, and requires the corrections department and adult parole board to create implementation rules.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-1-8, 30-6A-4, 30-42-3, 30-52-1, 31-26-3, 33-2-34