ADDITIONAL SECOND DISTRICT JUDGESHIP

HB 147 creates a new judgeship in New Mexico's Second Judicial District, increasing the number of district judges from thirty to thirty-one. The bill appropriates $306,800 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to cover the new judge's salary, benefits, and related court costs, with unused funds reverting to the general fund. This change directly affects the Second Judicial District court operations by adding one judicial position to address caseload demands. The bill passed committee but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.