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Lawmakers prepare criminal justice reforms for next governor

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state lawmakers say they are setting a course for criminal justice reforms in anticipation of a new administration in 2019.
Lawmakers who specialize in public safety and criminal justice issues are participating in a daylong forum Tuesday to consider proven strategies for reducing crime and coping with mental illness and addiction without putting more people in jail. They also are seeking to reduce prison recidivism and better integrate people with criminal histories into society.
Second-term Republican Gov. Susan Martinez leaves office this year after a prolonged standoff with lawmakers on major issues of crime and punishment.
Democratic Sen. Bill O'Neill wants to revive vetoed legislation that would remove the criminal history question from initial job applications. Democratic Rep. Gail Chasey is concerned about a growing female prison population.