OPINION: Crime overhaul bill won't go far enough

House Bill 8 attempts to address six issues New Mexicans have been screaming at their legislators to correct. While the bill, which was signed into law last week, does make stronger penalties possible and gives judges more options in cases where criminal defendants are deemed incompetent to stand trial, it gives judges too much discretion in sentencing and does not address our catastrophic juvenile problem.

All the language housekeeping in the bill gives the appearance of legislators moving toward harsher penalties by judges, but no two judges are alike and that human equation of sentencing if a district attorney gets a conviction is what keeps repeat offenders in our communities stealing cars, vandalizing private property, shooting guns indiscriminately at cars and structures and driving under the influence.

Some of the best —harshest — sentences handed down in the past few years are from judges telling the defendant that they’re being sentenced to 15 or 20 years because the law demands it. It’s out of the judges’ hands. And that’s a good thing.

Rehab, help, intervention and prayers are not going to get this state to a point where we can compete with other states for business, draw qualified leaders, finally begin to improve our schools and allow residents to feel safe going to the store or sending their children out into the world.

This is a clear case of legislators of all stripes not listening to their constituents. Pre-session surveys and rhetoric were clear that everyone is fed up and wants action.

Sen. Larry Scott of Hobbs, the lone Senate Republican to vote against the package, was quoted in the Journal.

“My concern is that I’m voting on a crime package that doesn’t actually reduce crime,” Scott said. “Our constituents are wanting us to do better.”

This bill does nothing to address juvenile offenders. Legislators are threatening to do that but at the six-week mark, we’re still waiting for what they’ll do to protect us from our little darlings. Parents aren’t doing it, and the Children, Youth and Families Department is a whole other issue.

It’s typical but wrong that print and television reports are finding in general most voters (Democrats and Republicans) want juvenile crime addressed, and legislators are still wasting time on license plates and what lobbyist is buying dinner and drinks. If voters educate themselves and quit voting for these retreads, they might get serious and address the issues we want handled.

Until then, expect more of the same.