This bill amends Section 33-2-34 of the New Mexico Statutes to classify homicide by vehicle or great bodily harm by vehicle as a serious violent offense for the purposes of earned meritorious deductions. The bill specifies that prisoners convicted of such offenses will be subject to the same eligibility criteria for meritorious deductions as those convicted of other serious violent offenses. This change aims to ensure that individuals convicted of these specific vehicular crimes are treated similarly to those convicted of other serious violent crimes when it comes to earning deductions from their sentences.

In addition to the new classification, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding the eligibility and process for earning meritorious deductions, which are based on active participation in approved programs and the quality of that participation. The bill also outlines the maximum deductions available for different types of offenses and establishes rules for the corrections department to implement these provisions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the accountability and rehabilitation of prisoners convicted of serious violent offenses, including those involving vehicles.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 33-2-34
Final Version: 33-2-34