Propose House Bill aims to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for some crimes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A proposed House bill aims to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences on a variety of crimes, and could affect people in violation of game and fish laws to child sex offenses.

House Bill 140 was introduced last week by Democratic Rep. Karen Bash. Bash represents District 68, which includes Bernalillo County.

The 22-page bill would do away with mandatory minimum sentences for poachers, child rapists, violent felons, violent sexual felons, people who violate a restraining order, and habitual offenders. Minimum sentences for those crimes range from a week in jail to life in prison.

House Democrats said the bill could be a way to give the sentencing power back to judges. However, opponents of the bill—including the Republican Party of New Mexico—believe the bill could make it more difficult to prosecute sex crimes against children.

A spokesperson from House Speaker Brian Egolf’ Office sent the following statement about HB 140:

"We are aware of robust debate around the intent, which is to reform mandatory minimum sentences and restore discretion to judges. We look forward to that debate in its assigned House committees that have experience in examining changes in sentencing."

“As a survivor of child sex abuse and speaking for all other survivors, I feel betrayed,” said Melissa Fryzel, a survivor. “It took me a long time to get freed from my own situation, and it really hurts my heart right know to see and know that those are still suffering from this evil are going to see legislation like this introduced."

The bill is scheduled for a hearing this week in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.