LAWMAKERS IN NEW MEXICO ARE LOOKING AT WAYS TO KEEP VIOLENT REPEAT OFFENDERS OFF THE STREETS. REPUBLICAN STATE REP NATE GENTRY IS ADDING HIS VOICE TO THE DEBATE. HE’S TEAMING UP WITH STATE REP PAUL PACHECO TO PROPOSE SEVERAL MEASURES IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
HE SAYS THEY WANT TO AMEND THE CURRENT HATE CRIMES LAW TO INCLUDE CRIMES AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS THAT WOULD ENHANCE THE PENALTIES. HE ALSO WANTS TO STRENGTHEN THE “THREE STRIKES” LAW AND AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW JUDGES TO DENY BAIL TO VIOLENT REPEAT OFFENDERS, KEEPING THEM BEHIND BARS UNTIL TRIAL.
