The recently concluded legislative session in New Mexico has sparked a debate regarding the state’s approach to public safety and crime prevention. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has been vocal about these issues, often revolving around the legislature’s inability to pass public safety laws. These events unfolded during the 60-day legislative session, culminating on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and differing views on how best to address various issues, the legislature passed several bills—now signed into law by the Governor—primarily affecting personal injury and criminal defense. These reforms directly impact individuals’ and families’ safety, security, and health, making it essential for them to understand and navigate the processes involved.
In This Article
Personal injury and criminal defense lawyer Marc A. Grano explains what bills were signed into law and where you can learn more about your legal rights. Grano Law Offices, P.C. wrote this post to help New Mexico residents, and in-state travelers understand the changes made during the 2025 legislative session.
What Bills Were Signed Into Law?
As we all may recall from high school civics class, a Bill begins with an idea, which is then formally drafted into legislative language. For the Bill to become law, it must pass both the House and the Senate. The passing of the Bill in both the House and the Senate involves many individual committee hearings and consideration. This multi-stage process ensures extensive consideration of Bills before they can be enacted as state law in New Mexico. The process is by no means perfect and, at times, can involve political maneuvering and constituency-based concerns and debate.
Here is a quick overview of the criminal defense and personal injury bills signed into law during the 2025 New Mexico legislative session:
Criminal Defense-Related or Public Safety Bills
This legislative session saw the passage of several important bills aimed at strengthening individual rights and promoting public safety within the criminal justice system. From addressing mental health in criminal proceedings to enhancing gun safety protocols to expanding protections for vulnerable populations, these laws reflect a growing commitment to justice, accountability, and inclusion. Below is a summary of three key criminal defense-related bills signed into law:
- House Bill 8. Criminal Competency & Treatment: HB 8 is a significant step towards protecting the rights of individuals with mental health crises when they commit a crime. It primarily focuses on criminal competency and provides treatment access, ensuring a fair trial. For example, if someone has a serious mental health issue when they commit a crime, the focus might shift to treatment to understand the legal process.
- House Bill 12. Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Changes: HB 12 amends the state’s red flag gun laws, allowing law enforcement to file petitions to remove guns from individuals temporarily deemed a danger.
- House Bill 197. Expand “Silver Alert” Definition: This Bill represents our inclusive society. It expands what constitutes a Silver Alert to include missing individuals 50 or older or those believed to display signs of dementia or cognitive decline, regardless of age.
Personal Injury Bill
The legislative process often involves considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, including injured parties, businesses, insurance companies, and the general public. New personal injury laws may strike a balance between protecting the rights of those harmed and ensuring that the legal system operates fairly for all involved.
Here is the new personal injury bill that went into effect and also relates to our areas of practice:
- Senate Bill 73. Required Bicycle Stops for Safety: This Senate Bill is crucial in addressing bicyclist safety at intersections. It allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, promoting road safety and security.
If you are a cyclist and want to learn more about protecting yourself from a car accident, check out this blog post for a detailed guide on bicycle safety laws that matter.
Where You Can Learn More About the New Legislation
To learn more about the new legislation and your rights, check out the resources below:
- New Mexico Legislature Website: The official website of the New Mexico Legislature contains the full text of all bills, including the ones discussed in this article.
- New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division: For information regarding mental health services and resources in New Mexico relevant to House Bill 8 concerning criminal competency and treatment, visit the Healthcare Authority’s website.
- New Mexico Department of Public Safety: Visit the New Mexico Department of Public Safety online to find information about public safety and firearm regulations in New Mexico, which may be relevant to House Bill 12 regarding Extreme-Risk Firearm Protection Orders.
- Community Advocacy Groups: Many non-profit and advocacy organizations in New Mexico focus on specific issues related to these new laws. You can search online for groups that advocate for mental health services, gun safety, or bicycle safety in New Mexico to find their websites and learn more about their perspectives and resources.
Where to Turn for Legal Advice About the New Laws
Understanding new laws can sometimes be challenging, and you may have specific questions about how these changes affect your rights and circumstances. If you have concerns about the 2025 legislative session and how it affects your rights, seek legal advice from a personal injury or criminal defense lawyer, such as Marc A. Grano. We offer initial consultations for free to discuss your legal needs and how the new laws could affect your situation.
Get Answers with a Free Case Strategy Session
You do not have to navigate state laws alone. Find out more about your rights and legal options with our personal injury and criminal defense lawyer at no cost or obligation. Schedule your Free Case Strategy Session today by calling Grano Law Offices, P.C. at (505) 426-8711 or messaging us privately below.
