This bill proposes significant changes to the structure and operation of magistrate courts in several districts of New Mexico, specifically the McKinley, Santa Fe, Torrance, Dona Ana, Grant, San Juan, Lea, and Rio Arriba districts. Key amendments include the closure of magistrate circuit courts in the specified districts and the relocation of magistrate district courts in Grant and San Juan. For instance, the Dona Ana magistrate district will continue to have seven magistrates operating as a single court in Las Cruces, while the Grant district will have two magistrates, with divisions operating as a single court in Silver City starting January 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the election and residency of magistrate judges, stating that they will not be elected at large but by the voters of their respective divisions. The bill also specifies the composition of divisions for elections and residency purposes in the Lea and San Juan districts. Notably, the bill removes requirements for magistrates to ride circuit to certain locations, streamlining operations in the McKinley, Santa Fe, and Torrance districts. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the magistrate court system in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 35-1-10, 35-1-12, 35-1-16, 35-1-20, 35-1-24, 35-1-27, 35-1-29, 35-1-33