STATE News:

SANTA FE—Friday night, the House of Representatives unanimously endorsed Rep. Bill Rehm’s (R-Albuquerque) proposal to remove the statute of limitations for second-degree murder prosecutions. His measure, House Bill 33, was combined with a similar measure, House Bill 115, sponsored by Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque).  

New Mexico is the only state in the country that applies a statute of limitations on second degree murder. The joint bipartisan effort now moves to the Senate for consideration.  

Following the House’s action, Rep. Rehm issued this statement: 

“I thank my colleagues for supporting this common-sense bill to remove the statute of limitations on second-degree murder. Removing this limitation will allow prosecutors to pursue the proper level of justice in many complex and cold cases. It is also the right thing to do for the families of murder victims who have waited so long to see the cases involving their loved ones prosecuted. I urge the Senate to move quickly on this legislation so Governor Martinez can sign it into law.”