New Mexico Legislature

The committee held a roll call vote regarding House Bill 125. The committee formally moved to table the bill, a motion which successfully passed with a vote of 3 in favor and 2 against.

This memorial requests the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a task force to develop a ten-year plan and funding strategy for the New Mexico Criminal Justice System. The plan aims to address systemic problems interfering with system performance, public safety, and equal justice under the law, such as high case dismissal rates, outdated training, staffing shortages, and lack of consistent data reporting. Key focus areas include establishing planning and oversight, modernizing position descriptions and training to national standards, developing local planning functions, defining standardized data elements for performance evaluation, and creating clear career pathways for justice professionals.

The committee meeting covered a wide range of topics, including an overview of the New Mexico economy and workforce, an analysis of the impact of state tax expenditures, and status reports on health care services, housing appropriations, and the Albuquerque Gateway Center. Technical and economic research topics included quantum computing initiatives, energy research development, and updates on state-funded local road projects. Furthermore, the agenda included capital outlay reports, investment reviews, and the consideration of administrative business such as the interim workplan and internal policies.

The committee conducted a roll call vote on House Memorial 45, which resulted in a passed motion to table the proposal.

This action plan addresses New Mexico's high rates of youth aged 16 to 24 who are not engaged in school, work, or training, aiming to reduce youth disconnection by 10% over the next three years to meet the national average. Key strategies include improving recruitment and retention for programs, targeting existing programs to serve disconnected youth, expanding evidence-based models, and building a system of accountability with robust performance monitoring and coordination across agencies. The plan seeks to enhance the state's talent pipeline, increase labor force participation, and strengthen economic growth by reengaging approximately 3,200 young people.