Bill > SB334

This bill creates new criminal offenses specifically targeting assaults and batteries against child welfare workers from the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). The bill defines a "child welfare worker" as an employee of CYFD who works directly with children and families in various divisions, and specifies that these protections apply when the worker is in the "lawful discharge of their duties." The bill establishes multiple levels of criminal offenses, including simple assault (a misdemeanor), aggravated assault (a third-degree felony), assault with intent to commit a violent felony (a second-degree felony), battery (a fourth-degree felony), and aggravated battery (ranging from a fourth to third-degree felony depending on the severity of injury). The specific offenses cover actions such as attempting to commit battery, making threats that cause reasonable fear, striking with a deadly weapon, intentionally assaulting with intent to commit a felony, and unlawful touching or application of force in a rude or angry manner. The bill also includes provisions for group assault, making anyone who assists in battering a child welfare worker guilty of a fourth-degree felony. The primary purpose of this legislation is to provide additional legal protections for CYFD workers who are often in potentially dangerous situations while performing their professional duties.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=334&year=25