The bill amends Section 35-2-1 of the New Mexico Statutes to establish a minimum age requirement of twenty-eight years for individuals seeking election or appointment as magistrate judges. This change ensures that all magistrates are at least twenty-eight years old at the time of their election, in addition to requiring them to be qualified electors and residents of the magistrate district they serve.

Furthermore, the bill maintains existing educational qualifications, stipulating that candidates must have graduated from high school or possess an equivalent credential. It also specifies additional eligibility criteria for magistrates in districts with populations exceeding two hundred thousand, including the requirement to be a licensed member of the state bar for both election and appointment. The bill reinforces the prohibition against magistrates engaging in private law practice while in office.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 35-2-1
Final Version: 35-2-1