[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]
On March 18, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced the state’s first-ever Civil Rights Division inside the AG’s office, broadly giving the AG investigative authority over state and local agencies to protect New Mexicans from civil rights inequities and injustices. With the passage of Senate Bill 426, New Mexico now joins other states nationwide already leveraging an active civil rights unit to safeguard their citizens’ rights.
According to AG Torrez, “The passage of Senate Bill 426 brings us one step closer to the creation of New Mexico’s first Department of Justice and, if signed by the Governor, will give us important new tools to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.” Sponsored by New Mexico Senator Joseph Cervantes, the new bill strengthens the AG’s ability to defend its citizens’ wellbeing, particularly that of children, the elderly, the disabled, and other disadvantaged groups.
In a recent podcast, AG Torrez further expounded on the new Civil Rights Division and his plans to proactively invest in organized retail crime deterrence and more assertive representation on consumer protection and antitrust violations.
Why It Matters
The new Civil Rights Division and AG Torrez’ agenda highlight the scope and importance of protecting and enforcing the rights of New Mexico’s citizens, while also addressing both short- and long-term challenges.
