New Mexico Senate Passes Bill to Lift Statute of Limitations for Serious Child Sex Crimes

The measure would remove time limits for prosecuting second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor, with supporters citing recent high-profile cases.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The New Mexico state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill that would remove the statute of limitations for some of the most serious acts of child sex abuse. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Angel Charley, D-Acoma, cited recent events like the Jeffrey Epstein case at Zorro Ranch as reasons for the change. Supporters argued that factors like power imbalances, trauma, and family pressure can lead to crimes not being reported for years, and that removing time limits will help past victims and protect future ones. The measure passed 40-1, though some senators were disappointed it was narrowed in committee to focus only on second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor.

Why it matters

This bill is seen as an important step in addressing the challenges victims face in reporting child sexual abuse, which often goes unreported for years due to factors like fear, shame, and the perpetrator's position of authority. Supporters argue that removing the statute of limitations will help provide justice for past victims and better protect future victims, especially in light of high-profile cases of abuse that have come to light in recent years.

The details

The bill, Senate Bill 41, would remove the statute of limitations for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor, which currently carries a 6-year time limit. Supporters noted that sexual violence often does not follow a "clean timeline" due to power imbalances, trauma, and other barriers to reporting. As originally written, the bill would have removed time limits for numerous other sexual offenses, but was narrowed in committee to focus only on the second-degree charge. Some senators expressed disappointment at the more limited scope, arguing that rapists should face the same lifetime accountability as murderers.

  • The bill passed the New Mexico state Senate on February 14, 2026.

The players

Sen. Angel Charley

The Democratic senator from Acoma who sponsored the bill, citing recent high-profile cases of child abuse like at the Zorro Ranch property once owned by Jeffrey Epstein.

Sen. George Muñoz

The Democratic senator from Gallup who pointed to issues with unprosecuted child rape cases in McKinley County as a reason for the bill.

Sen. Moe Maestas

The Democratic senator from Albuquerque and former prosecutor who cast the lone vote against the bill, arguing it would tax already-scarce prosecutorial resources.

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What they’re saying

“The last time we looked at this law, we didn't know what was happening at Zorro Ranch. The last time we looked at this law, we didn't know what we know now.”

— Sen. Angel Charley (The Santa Fe New Mexican)

“Maybe we can't go in reverse, but here forward it'll help people to heal.”

— Sen. George Muñoz (The Santa Fe New Mexican)

“When we allow time limits to erase accountability, we don't just fail past victims, we endanger future ones.”

— Sen. Cindy Nava (The Santa Fe New Mexican)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the New Mexico House of Representatives for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation represents an important shift in how New Mexico approaches child sexual abuse cases, recognizing the unique challenges victims face in reporting crimes and seeking to provide more pathways to justice. While some concerns were raised about resource constraints, supporters argue the change is necessary to protect the most vulnerable and hold serial predators accountable.