ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Two Albuquerque City Councilors held a press conference on Wednesday in support of a special session. Councilors Joaquin Baca and Brook Bassan, with support from the majority of the council, are urging lawmakers to reconsider bills that would let judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys refer individuals dealing with mental health issues to get immediate treatment.

“People can sometimes be afraid when they encounter these folks on the street. At the same time, these are the folks that are the most vulnerable. They’re most often the victims of crime, and we’re not addressing that,” said Councilor Baca.

Two bills addressing the issue failed to pass during the session but Councilors Baca and Bassan are hopeful it will be considered during a special session.