The bill amends New Mexico law concerning probation and parole by eliminating the requirement for defendants to pay for parole services, which is intended to ease financial burdens on individuals under supervision. It also introduces provisions for the automatic release of defendants classified as minimum risk, contingent upon their completion of probation obligations and at least half of their probation period. This change aims to streamline the probation process and reduce unnecessary supervision for low-risk individuals. Additionally, the bill clarifies the procedures for meritorious deductions, allowing inmates to earn sentence reductions based on good behavior and participation in approved programs, while also specifying conditions under which these deductions can be lost.

Moreover, the bill establishes new definitions and provisions related to educational, substance abuse, and mental health programs for prisoners, emphasizing self-improvement through skill development. It defines "program" to exclude recreational activities and clarifies the definition of "nonviolent offense." The bill also sets guidelines for earned meritorious deductions for offenders on parole, allowing up to thirty days of deductions per month based on compliance with parole conditions. The adult parole board is granted the authority to revoke these deductions if conditions are not met. These provisions are to be implemented by the corrections department and the adult parole board for offenders starting parole terms from July 1, 2004.

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