SANTA FE —  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 141 to increase salaries for New Mexico judges on Feb. 10.

“I am pleased to be able to assist the Legislature in making this a reality,” Lujan Grisham said. “Through this bill, we are investing in our current and future workforce.”

Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon thanked the governor and New Mexico legislators for their support.

“We appreciate the support of the governor and the Legislature for this investment in state courts to meet the legal needs of New Mexicans. Improved judicial salaries will help attract mid-career lawyers with a diverse legal background to serve as state court judges,” she...

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement following the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee’s vote to table SB 122 on Jan. 29:

“I am dismayed that our Legislature has once again refused to undertake an honest, robust debate on the state of our pretrial release system. Crime is out of control and something needs to change. We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in behavioral health services, education, economic opportunity – critical components that ensure every New Mexican gets a fair shake. However, I will not stand by as repeat violent offenders walk in and out of our courthouses without consequence," Lujan Grisham said. “A rebuttable...

SANTA FE — Military veterans, National Guard/Reserve, and active service members will be honored on Military & Veterans Day at the 2024 Legislature on Feb. 3 at the State Capitol in Santa Fe.

This annual day during the legislative session is presented by the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico National Guard to honor New Mexico’s military community for their sacrifice and service for the U.S.

There will be a noon ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, and informational tables in the east and west wings of the rotunda staffed by DVS, NMNG, the VA, and veterans’ and community service agencies.

Veterans, active service members, their families, and the public...

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the introduction of legislation aimed at enhancing criminal procedure standards on Jan. 16.

Sponsored by Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Piño, Senate Bill 16 addresses concerns about a defendant's competency, establishing competency restoration programs, and ensuring the provision of state-funded mental health examinations.

"This bill reflects our commitment to a justice system that is fair, compassionate, and responsive to the mental health needs of individuals involved in the legal process,” Lujan Grisham said in a Jan. 26 press release. “I urge the Legislature to support this important measure for the well-being of our...