Tell Governor Lujan Grisham: Let Lawmakers Hear HB 5 — New Mexico Needs Real Solutions for Youth

An image of the New Mexico State Capitol with text underneath that reads Tell Governor Lujan Grisham: New Mexico needs real solutions for youth
An image of the New Mexico State Capitol with text underneath that reads Tell Governor Lujan Grisham: New Mexico needs real solutions for youth

Most recent signers:

The message:

Punitive proposals that would send more children to adult prisons are resurfacing in New Mexico — calling for harsher penalties, automatic adult sentencing, and stripping judges of discretion to consider alternative interventions. These approaches ignore decades of research on adolescent development and do nothing to address the root causes of youth violence.

“Tough‑on‑crime” policies that treat children as adults expose youth to abuse and trauma, fuel racial disparities, and undermine rehabilitation.

The recipient:

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

The impact:

We know the harm these policies cause, and we know they failed to make our communities safer. But we also know what works: prevention, opportunity, and community‑based support.

HB 5 would expand the very programs proven to reduce harm and strengthen communities. But unless Governor Lujan Grisham gives HB 5 a message, lawmakers won’t be able to hear it this session.