New Mexico House approves crime bill
The New Mexico House of Representatives has approved mandatory life sentencing for people convicted of intentional child abuse resulting in death, regardless of a child’s age.
The bill was approved Saturday and would expand “Brianna’s Law” to cover the deaths of children up to 17 years of age. It has not yet been considered by the Senate. The current law addresses deaths of children 11 and under.
The existing statute is named after a 5-month-old who died in 2002 after being sexually assaulted and suffering skull fractures and other injuries. Changes to the law are among a trio of criminal justice bills backed by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
