Committee adopts substitute to codify zero‑tolerance sexual‑violence protections in prisons

The House committee on Feb. 17 voted to advance a House Judiciary committee substitute for HB 292, requiring the corrections department to adopt a zero‑tolerance policy, reporting standards and trauma‑informed training to prevent sexual abuse and assault in correctional facilities. The vote on the substitute was 7‑0.

Carla Law, a policy advocate with the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, testified the ACLU "strongly supports HB 292" and said codifying protections is necessary given weakening federal enforcement. Behavioral‑health and survivor‑service organizations, including Families and Youth Innovations Plus and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, said the measure is needed to protect incarcerated youth and adults and to ensure consistent prevention and reporting standards.

A motion in committee recommended 'do not pass' on the original HB 292 while recommending 'do pass' on the House Judiciary substitute; Representative Martinez made the motion and Representative Reed seconded. The clerk recorded seven yes votes and zero no votes. The committee ratified the substitute and advanced it to the next stage.

Supporters said the bill brings state law in line with PREA‑style protections and creates consistent standards across detention settings. The committee did not discuss appropriation details at length; implementation tasks will fall to corrections and oversight entities if the bill advances.