This bill amends the Criminal Sentencing Act in New Mexico to expand the definition of "violent felony" and establish a "three strikes" law for violent felons. Under the new provisions, a defendant convicted of a third violent felony will face mandatory life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole eliminated except for geriatric or medical parole. Additionally, certain convictions incurred by a defendant before the age of eighteen will now be classified as violent felonies if the defendant was sentenced as an adult or if the conviction is from another state where the defendant was also sentenced as an adult. The bill also introduces a more comprehensive list of offenses classified as violent felonies, including voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, and various forms of child abuse.

The bill further modifies the parole eligibility criteria for inmates sentenced to life imprisonment. It specifies that such inmates will not be eligible for parole unless they meet certain conditions, and it establishes that the parole process will be governed by the new definitions and rules set forth in this legislation. The changes will apply to individuals convicted of violent felonies on or after July 1, 2025, thereby impacting future sentencing enhancements for subsequent violent felony convictions. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 31-18-23, 31-21-10