The Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee in New Mexico convened on March 8, 2025, to discuss significant legislation aimed at protecting autopsy photos from unauthorized public access. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the increasing requests for these sensitive images and their potential misuse, particularly on social media platforms.

During the session, a representative from the Albuquerque Police Department, Xochitl Campos Biggs, expressed support for the proposed legislation, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding the dignity of victims, especially in high-profile cases. She noted that the current lack of protection for autopsy photos in New Mexico is concerning, as these images are often exploited for commercial gain on platforms like YouTube.

Committee members raised questions about the historical context of this issue, with one senator expressing surprise that the unauthorized sharing of autopsy photos has become a prevalent problem. The discussion underscored the need for legislative action to address the ethical implications of such practices and to establish clearer protections for sensitive forensic evidence.

The committee did not receive any public testimony in opposition to the legislation, indicating a consensus on the need for reform. As the discussion concluded, the committee members recognized the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent further exploitation of autopsy images and to uphold the dignity of victims and their families. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed measures to ensure the protection of these sensitive materials.