Hidalgo Congress proposes reforms to combat illegal logging

The Congress of Hidalgo has introduced several legislative initiatives aimed at addressing environmental crimes, mental health, and urban infrastructure. A primary focus is a proposal by Deputy Yarabi González Martínez of the Morena party to reform the State of Hidalgo Penal Code to combat illegal logging.

The reform seeks to increase penalties for those involved in timber theft, particularly when violence, coercion, or threats are used against landowners, indigenous communities, or environmental activists. Penalties would also increase if the crimes occur within protected natural areas or are driven by profit for urban or industrial projects. The initiative includes specific sanctions for public officials involved in these crimes, including dismissal and disqualification from office.

Other legislative proposals include reforms to mental health laws to ensure voluntary and confidential access to services for youth, updates to urban image laws regarding public infrastructure, and measures to strengthen the protection of children and adolescents' psychological well-being.