New Mexico House Passes Bipartisan Public Safety Bills

Legislation aims to improve mental health treatment and increase penalties for attacks on police officers

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The New Mexico House of Representatives passed two public safety bills on Monday with bipartisan support. Senate Bill 3, the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, would make it easier for authorities to intervene for those experiencing severe mental illness who are at high risk of harming themselves or others. House Bill 61 will increase the penalty for aggravated battery on a peace officer to a second-degree felony.

Why it matters

These bills address key public safety concerns in New Mexico, including the need for improved mental health treatment options and stronger protections for law enforcement officers. The bipartisan support for these measures reflects a shared commitment to enhancing community well-being and public safety across the political spectrum.

The details

Senate Bill 3 allows doctors, close family members, law enforcement, or the courts to petition for an individual to receive supervised, outpatient mental health treatment through the state's community-based Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program. House Bill 61 will increase the penalty for aggravated battery on a peace officer to a second-degree felony.

  • The House of Representatives passed the bills on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Michelle Lujan Grisham

The Governor of New Mexico who proposed Senate Bill 3, the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act.

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The takeaway

These bipartisan public safety bills demonstrate New Mexico's commitment to addressing mental health challenges and protecting law enforcement officers, underscoring the state's efforts to enhance community well-being and public safety through collaborative policymaking.