Bill would fund victim notification system

There could be a steady stream of money for the state's automated victims notification system if Senate Bill 176 passes, according to a press release from the state legislature.

The bill allows funds in the Corrections Department Intensive Supervision fund to be used for victim notification efforts. The fund will come from fees convicted criminals pay for parole and probation programs for themselves, the release said.

The plan would enable victims across New Mexico to be alerted automatically when their offenders are scheduled for court hearings, sentencing and releases from detention facilities at the county and state level.

The bill also allows greater funding for probation and parole supervision programs for all offenders, not just those on the Intensive Supervision program.