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Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 22 February 2021 22 February 2021

Santa Fe, NM---Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas and Representatives Georgene Louis and Elizabeth Thomson applauded the New Mexico House of Representatives for passing House Bill 56, which is aimed at modernizing New Mexico’s anti-human trafficking laws to center and protect the rights of human trafficking victims and survivors, particularly children who are trafficked in the State. The bill, which was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives during the 2020 legislative session, passed the House by a vote of 63-3 and will now move onto the Senate.

“Human trafficking is one of the most violent crimes in our society, and our laws are severely outdated and do not protect the interests of those who are subject to this horrific abuse,” said Attorney General Balderas. “I am grateful for the leadership of Representatives Louis and Thomson, as we fight to ensure to end the scourge of human trafficking in New Mexico.”

Representative Louis added:  “House Bill 56 seeks justice by helping the most vulnerable and holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions. Native Americans make up 11% of New Mexico’s population but account for a quarter of trafficking victims. This session is ripe to get this bill passed.”

“The crime of human trafficking may seem invisible for many, but this horrendous crime is all too common and it leaves deep and lasting damage on its victims," said Representative Elizabeth Thomson. “With this legislation, we are working to aid the victims and the law enforcement officials who are seeking justice against human traffickers, and passing these much-needed reforms will be a real step forward in ending human trafficking in New Mexico.”

House Bill 56 strengthens New Mexico’s laws against human trafficking, especially for trafficking a minor. The bill:

The full text of House Bill 56 and other information about it can be found here: 

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=56&year=21