Bipartisan Law Enforcement Retention Bill Passes House

Legislation will help support, retain & recruit law enforcement officers to improve community safety across the state

Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan House Bill 193, which outlines tenure-based bonuses to help retain and recruit law enforcement statewide. 

“Rewarding law enforcement for their continued service is not just the right thing to do, it will help us retain quality officers and recruit new cops to the force,” said sponsor Rep. Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque).

“Making sure our police departments are well-staffed and fairly compensated is an important step to improving community safety across New Mexico,” said co-sponsor Rep. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque).

Under House Bill 193, officers would be eligible to receive retention bonuses from the Law Enforcement Retention Fund at five-year benchmarks of years of service. The bill also extends the benefit to cross-departmental service and provides officers who serve more than 21 years with annual 5% bonuses. 

Additional sponsors of House Bill 193 include Reps. Alan Martinez (R-Bernalillo), and Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque). 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2024 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.   

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