HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 85

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT STUDY THE RECIDIVISM RATES AND THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PRISONS IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, recidivism reduction is one of the critical means that the corrections department can use to ensure adequate bed space for the future; and

     WHEREAS, over ninety percent of prisoners will be released from prison back into their communities; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico needs to ensure that prisoners are receiving the appropriate programming to prepare them for their eventual release from prison; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that prisoners are prepared to become productive members of their communities; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that prisoners are taught skills while in prison to address their possible addictions and mental health, education, vocational, parenting and family unification needs;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the corrections department be requested to study the recidivism rates and the program requirements and outcomes in the public and private prisons in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study analyze data collected over a period of three years; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting the study, the corrections department collaborate with the New Mexico sentencing commission and the institute for social research at the university of New Mexico to develop best-case practice criteria for the study that take into account the probation and parole transitions of prisoners; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the corrections department report the results of the study, including any legislative recommendations, to the appropriate interim legislative committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of corrections and the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.