A House committee on Saturday gave a unanimous due pass to House Bill 104, which would add crimes against peace officers to the list of offenses that trigger victims' rights under state law.

Supporters told the committee the change is meant to ensure officers injured or targeted while performing duties receive the same notices, protections and access to restitution that other crime victims now get.

Representative Reed, the bill's sponsor, told the committee the aim is to "allow[] crimes against peace officers to be an enumerated crime where they receive the same rights that a victim would receive," and to make sure officers "are able to at least participate in the process." She said officers sometimes do not receive hearing notices or the opportunity to confer with prosecutors after serious incidents.

District Attorney Barb Romo, who identified herself as an expert on the bill, described the measure as the product of years of work and personal experience. "It came after I witnessed and prosecuted the murder of a Rio Rancho police officer," Romo said, and added she sees no rational reason to exclude peace officers from victims' protections. Prosecutors and law-enforcement groups said including officers would help courts consider the full impact of crimes involving officers and could improve how cases are handled.

The bill drew broad support from law-enforcement organizations and victim-services groups. Tom Clayton, district attorney for the Fourth Judicial District, said judges "hear" victims' pleas and that enumerating officers would allow prosecutors to press for recognition of the harms suffered by officers. The New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission also said it supports the bill and would consider victims' compensation in appropriate cases.

Opposition during the hearing was limited. One remote commenter, Robert Hilberg of Albuquerque, asked whether extending enumerated victims' rights to officers might prompt similar requests for teachers, firefighters and other public servants.

The committee adopted a motion for a due pass; Representative Block moved the motion and Representative Lord seconded. The committee chair announced a unanimous due pass on House Bill 104.

If enacted, the change would add crimes against peace officers to the statutory list of offenses that trigger victims' rights, including notice of hearings, participation in plea discussions and restitution claims. The measure does not change criminal penalties for offenders.

Supporters said the change would not expand law enforcement authority; rather it would adjust post-offense procedures to ensure officers can be notified and heard. Questions during the hearing addressed funding for victim services and how compensation claims are coordinated with officers' insurance and other benefits.

The bill now moves to the next step in the legislative process, following the committee's unanimous recommendation.