Bill > HB352

This bill modifies the structure and operation of magistrate courts in several New Mexico districts, specifically addressing the Dona Ana, Lea, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Torrance districts. The bill standardizes the organization of magistrate courts by specifying the number of magistrates in each district and their operational locations. For example, in the Dona Ana district, seven magistrates will operate as a single court in Las Cruces and rotate to Anthony, while the Lea district will maintain four magistrates across different divisions in Hobbs, Eunice, and Lovington. The Rio Arriba district has a unique provision that changes its circuit court location from Chama to Tierra Amarilla starting January 1, 2027. The McKinley district will have three magistrates operating as a single court in Gallup, the Santa Fe district will have four magistrates in Santa Fe, and the Torrance district will have one magistrate based in Moriarty. These changes aim to streamline court operations and potentially improve judicial efficiency across these districts.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=352&year=25