SB 8, a bill that requires all police in New Mexico to use body-worn cameras, passed the NM Special Session on Monday. It is undeniable that we need more ambitious police accountability measures in New Mexico, and SB 8 is an important step in the right direction. It includes enforcement measures to ensure that police use their body-worn cameras appropriately and has accountability measures for law enforcement that do not comply. Common Cause New Mexico supports increased measures for accountability and transparency at ALL levels of government. We stand with black and brown communities that are dying at the hands of institutional racism and thank the legislature for passing this important piece of legislation.

SB 7, a bill requiring state agencies to develop and implement policies to address, reduce and prevent institutional racism, did not pass through both chambers during the Special Session. CCNM is dedicated to increasing our commitment to fair courts and judicial reform and will be tracking this closely in the future as a supporting ally to those deeply ingrained in the fight to reform the criminal justice system. We are not deterred by the failure to pass this bill during the Special Session and will continue advocating for similar measures in 2021 when the Legislature reconvenes.

Thank you for your dedicated support as we continue fighting for a democracy that works for all of us.