New Law Removes Financial Barriers to Reintegration and Prioritizes Families’ Basic Needs
SANTA FE, NM – Yesterday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed SB 375 into law, a bill which eliminates parole fees statewide.
Championed by Democratic Senator Moe Maestas, SB 375 was carefully crafted by New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero and her team. This smart on crime initiative secured strong bipartisan support as part of an effort by advocates and justice system stakeholders to remove unnecessary financial barriers to reintegration, reduce recidivism, and help families prioritize basic needs.
“Family is everything to New Mexicans. Ending parole fees lifts a huge financial burden off people who have already paid their debt, giving them a real chance to prioritize their families and rebuild their lives,” said Senator Moe Maestas. “This law is the next step in our push to make our communities strong, safe, and prosperous for all.”
Across the country, parole supervision fees serve as major barriers to successful reintegration, racking up serious debts for the families of people on supervision. In New Mexico, these fees ranged from a monthly cost of up to $25-$150 per month with an annual cap of $1,800.
“We believe that alleviating this financial burden will reduce recidivism by removing barriers for individuals transitioning from prison facilities to communities,” said NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero. “This change allows them to, instead, direct their financial resources toward essential needs like housing and transportation, which are key elements for stability and avoiding criminal activity.”
“Every dollar spent on a parole fee could have been a dollar put towards food, childcare, or supporting local businesses,” said New Mexico State Director Monica Ault. “Ending these fees isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s smart fiscal policy that can reinvigorate local economies.”
In recent years, bipartisan momentum to eliminate harmful justice system fees has been growing across the country, with both red and blue states taking action. Last year, Maryland scrapped certain supervision fees, while Governor Wes Moore erased more than $13 million in outstanding court debt. With the passage of SB 375, New Mexico joins dozens of states and localities in prioritizing economic opportunity, reducing recidivism, and ensuring families aren’t burdened by justice fees.