Honor the Second Chance Act — Keep Paroled New Mexicans Free!

Two years ago, New Mexico passed the Second Chance Act — a law that gave people who were sentenced to life as juveniles a real opportunity to come home, rebuild their lives, and prove that change is possible.

Since then, nine New Mexicans have been granted parole under this law. They’ve gone back to school, found jobs, reunited with family, and become part of their communities once again. This was the purpose of the Second Chance Act.

But now, all of that progress is in danger.

Earlier this month, the New Mexico Department of Justice issued an advisory letter claiming that these “Second Chancers” should not have been released at all — and that they could be taken back into custody at any moment. This cruel reinterpretation of the law defies what lawmakers clearly intended: to offer a meaningful second chance to people who were sentenced as kids and have already spent decades behind bars and rehabilitating.

No one should have to live in fear of being torn from their home, job, and family after doing everything right. These New Mexicans have already paid their debt and earned their freedom.

Lawmakers passed the Second Chance Act to recognize that people are capable of change. Now we’re asking them to protect the original intended purpose of the law — and keep New Mexico’s Second Chancers home.

Sign the petition and send a message to your Reps to honor the Second Chance Act!

P.S. Please join us for a hearing on Thurs, November 6 at 9 AM at the State Capitol in Santa Fe, Room 322. If you cannot be there in-person, please join us via Zoom.

Send a Message: Honor Second Chances!

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Dear Distinguished Member of the New Mexico Legislature,

I’m writing to urge you to defend the original intent of the Second Chance Act and ensure that New Mexico’s “Second Chancers” remain free.

The Second Chance Act was passed to give people who were sentenced as juveniles a real opportunity to come home, rebuild their lives, and contribute to our communities. Many have done exactly that — working, studying, and reconnecting with their families.

But a recent advisory letter from the New Mexico Department of Justice has thrown their futures into jeopardy, suggesting that some of these individuals could be taken back into custody despite already being paroled. This interpretation directly contradicts the Legislature’s intent and undermines faith in our justice system.

Please take action to [1] uphold the law as written — and, if necessary, [2] clarify it next session to ensure that no one is unjustly re-incarcerated. We must honor the spirit of rehabilitation and fairness that the Second Chance Act represents.

Thank you for standing up for justice, redemption, and the promise of a true second chance.