Inside New Mexico’s Fight to End Unjust Fines & Fees
FFJC’s New Mexico Team is leading a powerful statewide movement to end the unjust fines, fees, and debt collection practices that keep families trapped in debt and locked out of opportunities. Through collaboration and relentless advocacy, we drive reforms that ensure fairness and deliver long-overdue relief to New Mexicans.
Our impact in New Mexico
Passing legislation is just the beginning. We work to ensure that officials follow through on implementation and that communities know their rights — so reforms can be fully realized on the ground.
Road to Reform: New Mexico, tells the story of how FFJC partnered with impacted New Mexicans, community leaders, and bipartisan lawmakers to pass SB 47 in 2023, ending debt-based driver’s license suspensions statewide.
Produced in collaboration with Fined Out and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this short film is a testament to the power of collective action and a roadmap to reform.
Watch How We Changed the Rules – and Changed Lives
— New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon, 2023 State of the Judiciary“The elimination of fee funding is a national best practice which… eliminates the unjust practice of paying for government functions on the backs of those who can least afford it.”
The Hidden Cost of Fines and Fees in New Mexico
We spoke with over 500 New Mexicans to uncover how fines and fees have impacted their lives, families, and communities. Here’s what they told us:
80% of respondents reported sacrificing essentials, including groceries, rent, utilities, and medical bills, to pay off court-imposed fines and fees.
41% of respondents admitted to committing a crime to get the money to pay court-ordered fines and fees.
48% of respondents indicated they had “paid off” their outstanding fine and fee debt through time spent in jail when they could not afford to pay.
We work to dismantle the unjust costs that hold New Mexican communities back.
Join the movement transforming New Mexico.
From impacted advocates to legislators and judges, a powerful coalition is fighting to end New Mexico’s harmful fines and fees. Ready to get involved? Connect with our State Director, Monica Ault!
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