DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE NEWS RELEASE

On Wednesday night, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a comprehensive crime package, House Bill 8, which includes the NMDOJ’s Mass Threats legislation (previously known as House Bill 31), which would elevate the threat of a mass shooting from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony. The package needs one more Senate vote to then be sent to the Governor’s Office awaiting final signature.  

The New Mexico Department of Justice thanks Representatives Joy Garratt, Brian Baca and Andrea Reeb for sponsoring our mass threats legislation that successfully passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee last night as part of House Bill 8. This legislation, which would elevate the threat of a mass shooting from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony, is imperative in helping keep New Mexican children safe and preserving emergency resources throughout our state. This legislation is formerly known as House Bill 31 and, after significant positive feedback, was included in this more encompassing public safety and crime package. We are looking forward to the Senate Floor vote.