New Mexico Tackles Rising Crime: A Look at the Efforts

New Mexico is making big moves to tackle its crime problem. The state's crime rates have been higher than the national average for years. Now, lawmakers from both parties are working together to make changes. One key area of focus is juvenile crime. New laws are being proposed to make it harder for young offenders to get guns. Courts will also be able to look at a juvenile's past offenses when deciding what to do with them. Another big issue is gun violence. House Bill 49 would make it a more serious crime for felons to have guns. The governor also wants to ban assault weapons. This is part of a bigger push to make gun laws stricter.Violent crime is also a major concern. New Mexico's violent crime rate is nearly double the national average. Many people think the state needs to punish violent crimes more harshly. House Bill 61 would make it a more serious crime to hurt a police officer. Domestic violence and sexual assault are also getting attention. House Bill 67 would make it easier to take guns away from people who are accused of domestic violence. Many people in New Mexico have been victims of domestic violence or stalking. Families of missing people are also speaking out. They say that more needs to be done to find people who have disappeared. Two families were at a recent press conference to share their stories. Everyone agrees that public safety is important. It's not just a political issue. It's about making sure people feel safe and can live good lives. The state is taking steps to make that happen.