Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced Oct. 29 a proposed legislative amendment to strengthen penalties for individuals who threaten mass shootings.
According to a press release from the New Mexico Department of Justice, the amendment targets Section 30-20-16, “Bomb Scares and Shooting Threats Unlawful,” elevating the offense from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony. This initiative is in response to the growing number of mass shooting threats aimed at large public venues, including schools, across New Mexico.
The proposed legislation still needs to pass the state Legislature and the Governor’s Office, but if passed, the amendment would take effect in July 2025. Rep. Joy Garratt, D-Albuquerque, said she plans to sponsor the bill during the legislative session.
“Mass shooting threats are not only a danger to public safety but a profound disruption to our communities and schools,” Torrez said. “These threats create fear, drain essential resources, and place an enormous burden on students, educators, and families.”
The release said the frequency of mass shooting threats has increased in New Mexico with schools in Albuquerque, Cimarron, Clovis, Las Cruces, Raton, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe and Taos receiving mass shooting threats in September.
“No child of any age should fear going to school because they might get shot,” Garratt said. “This legislation will not impact juvenile penalties but will assist law enforcement in protecting schools and school children.”
The release said “these threats severely disrupt students’ lives, leading to missed school hours, cancellations, and delays — all of which force students to catch up on their studies. The emotional toll on students and families can be profound, often resulting in lasting socio-emotional effects.”
Torrez was joined by Garratt, Rio Rancho Public Schools Chief Operations Officer Michael Baker, Rio Rancho Police Chief Stewart Steele, RRPS Executive Director of Safety Sal Maniaci, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina and Pojoaque Valley School District Superintendent Amy Suman, at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho for the announcement.
“As educators and administrators, our top priority is to create safe, supportive learning environments where students can thrive without fear,” Baker said. “This legislative proposal to increase penalties for making threats against schools underscores our critical need to protect our students, staff, and community from the serious disruptions and potential harm that such threats cause.”