The bill amends the Delinquency Act in New Mexico to expand the definition of "delinquent act" to include unlawful possession of cannabis and alcohol. Specifically, it introduces new legal language that categorizes activities related to alcohol and cannabis, such as attempting to buy, receiving, possessing, or being served alcoholic liquor, as well as similar actions concerning cannabis, as delinquent acts. The bill clarifies that a child in possession of or using cannabis under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act is not considered a delinquent child.

Additionally, the bill removes previous language that defined delinquent acts and replaces it with a more comprehensive list of offenses, including various traffic violations and the illegal use of substances. The amendments aim to address the growing concerns regarding youth involvement with alcohol and cannabis, thereby allowing for more effective legal responses to such behaviors among minors.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-2-3