SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed legislation significantly increasing prison sentences for offenders convicted of aggravated battery upon peace officers, closing a long-standing sentencing disparity that proponents argued minimized the severity of injuries inflicted on law enforcement.

House Bill 61, which passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support during the recent legislative session, specifically addresses batteries that inflict great bodily harm, involve a deadly weapon, or are committed in a manner that could cause death or great bodily harm. The new law reclassifies these offenses from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony.

Under New Mexico’s sentencing guidelines, this change increases the basic sentence from three years to nine years in prison.

The legislation was designed to correct a quirk in state law where shooting at, but missing, a police officer carried a harsher penalty than shooting and injuring one.

Rep. Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis), a former prosecutor and the lead sponsor of the bill, said the signing marks a critical step in prioritizing the safety of those who protect the public.

“For too long, our laws did not adequately reflect the gravity of the danger our officers face every day,” Reeb said. “By correcting this sentencing disparity, we are sending a clear message that violent attacks on law enforcement will result in severe consequences. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about making sure the penalty fits the horrific nature of the crime when someone intentionally sets out to do great bodily harm to an officer.”

The push for tougher penalties has been a focal point for law enforcement agencies across the state, particularly in rural areas where backup can be far away. Sierra County Sheriff Joshua Baker, who serves as vice chair for the New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association, welcomed the new law as a necessary deterrent and a needed show of support for deputies.

“Every time a deputy responds to a call, they are putting their life on the line. When criminals believe they can cause great bodily harm to an officer and face only a short sentence, it emboldens that behavior,” Sheriff Baker said. “House Bill 61 sends a clear message. It tells our officers that the State of New Mexico stands behind them, and it tells the criminal element that we are done allowing law enforcement to be targets of violent crime. If you use force intended to kill or permanently injure a law enforcement officer, you should expect to spend a long time in prison.”

The bill’s passage was also championed by advocacy groups focusing on public safety and criminal justice reform in the state.

Vince Torres, Executive Director of the America First Policy Institute-New Mexico (AFPI-NM), praised the bipartisan effort to pass the legislation.

“Increasing penalties for those who assault our men and women in blue sends a clear message that we stand with the officers who keep our communities safe. When respect for law enforcement breaks down, crime naturally follows. But when we support those who protect our neighborhoods, our state and our nation are stronger and more secure.”

The provisions of House Bill 61 go into effect on July 1.