Bill > SB274

This bill establishes a reporting mechanism and an assignment of a prosecutor following the use of deadly force by a peace officer resulting in great bodily harm or death. It requires the sheriff or chief of police to report any such incident to the district attorney within 24 hours, and the district attorney to then report it to the governor and attorney general. The bill also mandates an independent investigation, with the Department of Public Safety as the default primary investigative agency. The relevant prosecuting authority is responsible for determining whether the use of deadly force was criminal and may prosecute if appropriate. The attorney general also has concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute unlawful uses of deadly force. The bill defines key terms like "deadly force", "great bodily harm", and "in-custody death", and establishes reporting and transparency requirements throughout the investigation and prosecution process.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=274&year=21