Since being elected, Bill has consistently fought for those who are all too often overlooked, including people of color, immigrant communities, and the homeless.
Bill has always understood the importance of advocating for working families. Throughout his career, he served as the Executive Director of the Juvenile Parole Board (2005-2008) and as Development Director for Dismas House New Mexico (1991-2004), a respected residential program for male and female parolees, which still operates today in District 13 on Candelaria NW.
His passion lies in criminal justice reform and the arts, areas where he has dedicated himself to making meaningful change. His experiences have shaped his commitment to ensuring fairness and equality for all New Mexicans.
What We’ve Achieved
BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTIONS
Changing garnishment and garnishment exemptions in bankruptcy law. It aims to protect people's income, homes, cars, and other assets from being taken to pay debts. The bill increases exemptions for home values, car values, and bank accounts, while also tying these exemptions to inflation. It also makes unemployment benefits exempt from garnishment. These changes would go into effect on July 1, 2023.
NO LIFE SENTENCE FOR JUVENILES
Kids can't be given a sentence of life in prison without any chance of getting out. Instead, it sets up rules for when they can have a chance to ask for parole, which is like asking for early release. It also says that judges need to think carefully about whether a young person should be treated like an adult or given a chance to change their behavior through programs for kids. This law applies to young people who are already in prison as well.
MEDICAL AND GERIATRIC PAROLE
Helps sick or older people in prison who are not a danger to others get released if they're too sick to stay. It sets up a process for them to apply for release based on their health condition. The prison system will check if they qualify and then decide if they should be let go early. If they're approved, they can leave prison, but they still have to follow some rules. However, if someone is in prison for a serious crime like first-degree murder, they can't apply for this kind of release.
VOTING RIGHTS PROTECTIONS
Updates election rules: it makes it easier to register to vote, restores voting rights for some felons, lets people stay on a mailing list for ballots, and ensures ballot security. It also helps Native American voters and makes election days school holidays.