Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Lawmakers are expressing concern over the rise in civil rights settlement payouts. In 2022 payouts for civil rights claims were $6.3 million, the amount skyrocketed to $33.4 million in 2024. In a Legislative Finance Committee hearing last week, Sen George Munoz said, “this is going to be a drain on NM if we don’t get a handle on it.” He further stated, “the astronomical rise in settlement costs could potentially impact state education spending in future years.” The rise in claims and payouts happened after the 2021 Civil Rights Act was enacted. At the time the legislation was opposed by many NM cities and counties, along with some law enforcement officials who were concerned taxpayers would be exposed to expensive settlements and lead to higher insurance costs.
