CVNM Statement on Passing of Senator Bill O’Neill

[SANTA FE] – Yesterday, March 31, 2025, Senator William “Bill” O’Neill passed after battling  prostate cancer for the past year. He served in the legislature from 2009-2024, first in the House,  representing District 15, and then in the Senate representing District 13. The District is now  represented by Senator Deb O’Malley. 

Bill O’Neill had an eclectic journey to New Mexico and public service, graduating from Cornell  University, wandering westward, and finally settling in New Mexico, where he found his passion in  reforming the justice system. He helped found Dismas House, a transitional living center for men on  probation or parole and was a former executive director of the New Mexico Juvenile Parole Board.  He fought for other justice reform bills to create geriatric and medical parole procedures and  prohibit private employers from asking about criminal convictions on job applications. O’Neill also  worked as the development director for the New Mexico Conference of Churches peer education  program, training incarcerated people to educate others in the prison population about risky  behavior and other health issues, literacy, and preparation for life outside prison. 

In response to Senator O’Neill’s passing, CVNM Chief Operating Officer Molly Taylor issued the  following statement: 

“CVNM board and staff mourn the passing of Senator Bill O’Neill. He was a kind and thoughtful  legislator, and a tremendous supporter of the environment and climate action, even as his  deepest passions lay with justice system reform. He prided himself on his ability to connect  with people in the community across the political spectrum, and worked to amplify their voice  in the roundhouse.  

Senator O’Neill was a consistent supporter of conservation and climate action legislation  throughout his career. Over his House and Senate terms, he earned a lifetime CVNM  Conservation Score of 95%. As a Senator, he took an interest in the work being done to turn the  mismanaged City-owned agricultural fields that border the Rio Grande Nature Center into the  showcase mosaic wildlife landscape they were intended to be, providing initial seed money for  site planning and public outreach. Our hearts are with his friends and family in this difficult  time. We will remember him for the legacy of his tireless advocacy, and the efforts he led that  impacted communities for the better.”

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CVNM is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization connecting the people of New Mexico to their political  power to protect our air, land, and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. CVNM does this by  mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected officials accountable, and advancing responsible  public policies.