New Mexico Lawmakers Push for Survivors' Protection Against Jeffrey Epstein

Albuquerque organization urges stable funding for sexual assault service providers across the state

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs is advocating for bills to protect sexual assault survivors, including those tied to the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein case. The coalition is requesting $2 million in funding, the same amount received in 2025, to support sexual assault service providers across the state. House Bill 151, a top priority, would extend the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors and outline damages to help them recover financially.

Why it matters

New Mexico has a high rate of sexual assault, with over half of residents having experienced it. The proposed legislation aims to provide more support and legal recourse for survivors, including those connected to the Epstein case, who may have previously lacked adequate protections under state law.

The details

House Bill 151 would extend the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors from age 24 to 58, the average age when survivors come forward. The bill also outlines damages to help survivors recover financially, as the coalition estimates the average lifetime cost for survivors is over $200,000. Lawmakers indicate this bill, along with others, is tied to legislation involving the Epstein files to ensure victims are protected under New Mexico law.

  • The New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs received $2 million in funding in 2025.
  • House Bill 151 is currently in the House Appropriations Committee.

The players

New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs

An Albuquerque organization advocating for stable funding to support sexual assault service providers across New Mexico.

Rep. Mariana Anaya

A state representative who introduced House Bill 151, which would extend the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors and outline damages to help them recover financially.

Alexandria Taylor

A representative from the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs who stated that over half of New Mexicans have experienced sexual assault.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“So we know that over half of New Mexicans have had some experience of sexual assault throughout their life, and so it is an everyday issue. It is a common issue in New Mexico.”

— Alexandria Taylor, Representative, New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (KOB 4)

“Right now the age is 24 we are extending it to 58 because we know that that is the average number of the average age where folks come forward about childhood sexual assault.”

— Rep. Mariana Anaya, State Representative (KOB 4)

“On average, it costs survivors over $200,000 in their lifetime to address the impact of experiencing childhood sexual abuse.”

— Alexandria Taylor, Representative, New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (KOB 4)

“As we know that there are survivors who were harmed here in the state of New Mexico, and they won't have any sort of laws to rely on if we aren't making sure that these victims can either come through our civil justice system or go through the criminal justice system to seek their reprieve.”

— Rep. Mariana Anaya, State Representative (KOB 4)

What’s next

The House Appropriations Committee will decide on the fate of House Bill 151, which aims to extend the civil statute of limitations and provide financial assistance for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including those connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the urgent need to provide robust support and legal recourse for sexual assault survivors in New Mexico, where over half the population has experienced such trauma. By extending the statute of limitations and outlining financial damages, the state aims to empower more survivors to come forward and seek justice, including those impacted by high-profile cases like the Epstein scandal.