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SANTA FE — A state legislator proposes reinstating the death penalty in New Mexico, but allowing voters to decide whether that should happen.
Republican Rep. Dennis Kintigh of Roswell has introduced a constitutional amendment to restore the death penalty in certain circumstances, including the murder of a police officer.
New Mexico abolished the death penalty in 2009, replacing it with a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Constitutional amendments need voter approval to be implemented. If Kintigh’s proposal clears the Legislature, it will be left to New Mexico voters to decide whether to reinstate the death penalty.
Kintigh is a retired FBI agent.
Two men are on death row. Their sentences were not affected by the 2009 law repealing the death penalty.
