More than half of the people in New Mexico report experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime. That’s over 1.1 million people in New Mexico.
Survivors deserve a voice in statewide funding and policy decisions!
The 2026 Legislative Session has officially ended.
Here is where the priorities of The NM Survivors' Agenda stand.
We are proud of the wins we were able to accomplish with our many partners and through the fierce leadership of survivors. We remain motivated to return next year to continue fighting for the initiatives that didn't pass and promoting accountability, justice, and healing for survivors of sexual abuse and assault.
Sign up to be on our legislative action list for 2027!
Sexual Assault
Services funded with $1 million recurring
We entered session seeking $2 million to maintain essential services.
Sexual assault services received $1 million in recurring funding from the House which remained in the budget all the way through! This is a HUGE win and will help ensure services have sustainable funding year after year.
Services were also appropriated $660k in one-time member directed GRO funding for sexual assault services.
We will work hard to continue expanding and maintaining access for survivors. If you would like to support our work, please consider donating.
Reform statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse
HB151, the NM Survivors' Justice Act, failed to pass HAFC on an 8-8 vote.
We are deeply grateful to Representative Anaya for working so hard on this bill in the face of systems focused on protecting their interests over justice for survivors.
We will continue to work to reform the New Mexico civil statute of limitations to ensure that survivors of child sexual abuse can seek justice when they are ready.
Stay informed about the movement to pass the NM Survivors' Justice Act.
SB 41 was fiercely championed by Senator Charley and PASSED!
This bill eliminates the criminal statute of limitations for certain child sexual abuse crimes.
Did not pass:
HB 292 NM Prison Rape Elimination Act
Unfortunately, HB 292 did not pass this year.
Sexual abuse in prisons is preventable. The U.S. Prison Rape Elimination Act was signed into law in 2003 with broad bi-partisan support. In New Mexico, NMCSAP, the Transgender Resource Center of NM, and many other advocates have worked with the NM Corrections Department, county jails, and juvenile facilities to implement the federal PREA standards.
We hope to bring this back next year to ensure critical protections for all people incarcerated in New Mexico.
Thank you Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil, Sen. Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics, and Rep. Nicole Chavez
success:
SM 17 Memorial to Study the Sexual Assault Kit Backlog
Ten years ago, leaders, advocates, and policymakers in New Mexico began the painstaking and necessary work of addressing a backlog of sexual assault exam kits that had been growing for years. A decade later, we are again creating a taskforce to take a comprehensive look at where we are now.
This memorial will establish a comprehensive study of the sexual assault kit backlog to help identify ongoing gaps, barriers, and successes within the current system.
Thank you to the sponsors Sen. Linda M. López, Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Sen. Cindy Nava, Sen. Angel Charley, and Sen. Shannon Pinto
success:
HR 1 Establish a Truth Commission
HR1 passed and establishes a “Truth Commission” to investigate the decades of abuse and human trafficking surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. For too long, systemic failures and legal loopholes allowed these horrific crimes to occur in our own backyard without accountability. By establishing this commission, New Mexico is taking a step toward providing survivors and the public with the transparency they deserve.
This committee has already had their first meeting and is starting their work.
However, we know that justice also requires accountability and centering survivors and we hope the state does not stop with this first step and commits to other essential policies such as reforming the civil statute of limitations.
Thank you Rep. Andrea Romero and Rep. Marianna Anaya!
success:
Study Sexual Health Education Standards
Comprehensive sexual health education is a critical component of sexual violence prevention, public health, and youth well-being. When young people have access to accurate, culturally responsive information, they are better equipped to understand consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and how to seek help when harm occurs.
Even though HM10 didn't move forward, the Legislative Education Study Committee has committed to conducting a study to determine what is currently being taught across school districts, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and assess whether students are receiving the information they deserve to stay safe and healthy.
Did not pass:
SB 53 NM CHISPA
SB53 passed its first committee but died waiting to be heard in Senate Judiciary Committee.
This legislation would have increased digital privacy protections, especially for people seeking care or services. Right now, much of our data is not protected by existing health privacy laws. Information about a survivor’s health, location, communications, or searches for support services can be collected, stored, and sold by private companies without the survivor’s knowledge or consent.
The New Mexico Community & Health Information Safety & Privacy Act will strengthen protections for sensitive personal and health information to give individuals greater control over their data and limit the ability of corporations and data brokers to collect, use, or sell deeply personal information without clear consent.
We look forward to continuing to support policy that protects privacy.
Thank you Sen. Angel Charley, Sen. Leo Jaramillo, Rep. Christine Chandler, Rep. Marianna Anaya, and Rep. Pamelya Herndon