The House Appropriations and Finance Committee in New Mexico convened on March 8, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at addressing child sexual abuse and the limitations surrounding survivors' ability to seek justice. The meeting featured powerful testimonies from survivors, including Lex Garcia, who shared her harrowing experience of abuse and the challenges she faced in reporting it.

Garcia recounted her trauma, stating that she was a victim of repeated abuse by a teacher for two years. Despite her efforts to report the abuse to various authorities, including the school district and law enforcement, she found herself unable to seek justice due to the statute of limitations. Garcia emphasized the emotional and psychological toll the abuse has taken on her life, highlighting the need for legislative change to allow survivors more time to come forward.

The discussion centered on the importance of reforming current laws to provide survivors with the opportunity to seek accountability, regardless of when they disclose their experiences. Garcia posed a poignant question to the committee: "What cost would be too high to protect your own child from abuse?" She argued that investing in justice for survivors not only aids in their healing but also serves to protect future generations from similar harm.

Support for the proposed legislation was echoed by other speakers, including retired law enforcement officer Larry Sontag, who shared insights from his experience in the crimes against children unit. He underscored the difficulties faced by law enforcement in prosecuting such cases and the necessity of civil recourse for victims.

Marty Esquivel, general counsel for the New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority, also expressed support for the bill, noting improvements made in reporting and training related to child abuse. He acknowledged the seriousness with which the authority treats these issues and the collaborative efforts to enhance protections for children.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comment, allowing additional voices to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the bill's implications. The committee's deliberations reflect a growing recognition of the need for legislative action to support survivors of child sexual abuse and to create a safer environment for children in New Mexico.