The bill amends existing laws regarding the parole process for inmates sentenced to life imprisonment in New Mexico. It establishes that inmates become eligible for parole after serving thirty years, with the parole board required to consider various factors such as the inmate's compliance with institutional rules, participation in educational or vocational programs, and overall readiness for reintegration into society. The bill also stipulates that if parole is denied, the inmate is entitled to a hearing every two years. Additionally, it mandates a minimum parole period of five years for those sentenced to life imprisonment, unless the board finds it in the best interest of society to reduce this period.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for removing members of the parole board, requiring that they can only be removed by the governor for specific reasons after a public hearing. It also introduces a new provision that prohibits the scheduling of parole hearings on the anniversaries of the birth or death of victims in homicide cases, when practicable, to ensure sensitivity to the victims' families. The bill aims to enhance the parole process while ensuring that the rights and interests of victims and society are adequately considered.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 31-21-10, 31-21-22, 31-21-24
Final Version: 31-21-10, 31-21-22, 31-21-24