Gov. Susana Martinez says she's forming a group to recommend improvements in New Mexico's child abuse laws.
The Republican governor, who is a former prosecutor, made the announcement Wednesday to mark the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Martinez said law enforcement, child advocacy representatives and officials with the Children, Youth and Families Department will serve on the group that will consider how to strengthen state laws protecting children.
The governor has proposed expanding a law that allows for life in prison for child abuse resulting in the death of a child. That penalty is an option if the victim is under 12 years of age. Martinez wants to extend the law to all children, regardless of age.