The bill amends New Mexico law concerning probation and parole by eliminating the requirement for defendants to pay for parole services and allowing minimum-risk defendants to be automatically released from probation after fulfilling their obligations and completing half of their probation period. It also clarifies the calculation of projected release dates for meritorious deductions upon admission to correctional facilities. Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for earning meritorious deductions, stating that prisoners may lose these deductions for failing to participate in approved programs and establishes specific timeframes for earning deductions based on educational achievements.

Moreover, the bill introduces lump-sum meritorious deductions for completing certain educational or vocational programs, with specific day counts established for various qualifications. It outlines conditions under which prisoners may lose these deductions, such as disobeying orders or being in disciplinary segregation, and allows prisoners in federal or out-of-state facilities to earn deductions based on their conduct. Importantly, prisoners serving life sentences are excluded from eligibility for these deductions, and the corrections department is tasked with creating rules to implement these changes, ensuring clear communication regarding meritorious deductions for prisoners.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 31-18-15, 31-20-5, 31-21-10, 33-2-34