Advocacy groups in New Mexico are urging Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to cancel the upcoming special legislative session, which is set for next week. During this session, lawmakers are expected to discuss public safety legislation. The coalition, which includes progressive groups generally supportive of the governor, is asking for community expert consultation before any laws are enacted.

Marshall Martinez, the executive director of Equality New Mexico, expressed concerns that the proposals on the agenda are rushed and involve complex policy changes affecting behavioural healthcare, addiction treatment, and homelessness.

"We're addressing the state's power to compel individuals into inpatient treatment without consent and the criminalization of panhandling," Martinez explained.

The coalition that sent a letter to the governor on Tuesday includes Equality New Mexico, the ACLU of New Mexico, the Center for Civic Policy, Common Cause New Mexico, and the New Mexico Conference of Churches. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the governor stated that cancelling the special session is not an option.

Martinez argues that the governor's office should have consulted community experts who provide mental health and public safety services before scheduling the session to ensure the legislation offers sustainable solutions.

"You need to involve community-based organizations like ours, which have long worked on these issues, in discussions about effective policies," he continued. "Good policy isn't created in isolation on the 4th floor of the State Capitol."

He also highlighted the evident lack of agreement between Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the proposed legislation and noted the session's limited opportunities for community input.