Democratic lawmakers’ public safety package is now headed to the Senate after passing the House of Representatives today with a bipartisan vote of 48-20. House Bill 8 incorporates six key public safety proposals into an integrated crime package.

“We worked throughout the interim so we could move quickly in this session to deliver meaningful public safety solutions for communities across our state,” said lead sponsor Representative Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) . “The smart, targeted, bipartisan measures in this package are a strong start and will have a real impact on the issues facing New Mexicans every day.”

The policies in this crime package are also paired with significant and historic investments in New Mexico’s behavioral health system to ensure the state has the capacity to provide the treatment people need and better address the underlying issues that contribute to crime in our communities. These proposals include a $200 million down payment to expand the state’s behavioral healthcare infrastructure, which passed the Senate on Friday. The legislature is also proposing a $110 million investment in housing that includes the expansion of transitional housing and behavioral healthcare facilities.

“We are taking a thoughtful, holistic approach to make New Mexicans safer,” said Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) , co-sponsor of the competency legislation. “This public safety package will help us address the pressing issues facing our communities today, and our investments in behavioral healthcare, housing, prevention, and treatment will help us to tackle the root causes of crime.”

“We promised to work closely with our colleagues in the Senate to develop well-vetted solutions to the public safety and behavioral health challenges facing our state and we are delivering on that promise,” said Speaker of the House Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) . “By working together to pass good legislation, rather than trying to score political points, we can make our communities safer and ensure that New Mexicans who are struggling can get the help they need.”

HB 8 is also sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) , Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque) , Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho) , and Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque) .

This session, House and Senate Democrats are working together to improve community safety by reducing gun violence, deterring violent crime, and making record investments in behavioral health and substance use treatment programs to give New Mexicans the help they need when they need it.

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2025 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule .