CHILD & DOMESTIC ABUSE TRAINING FOR COURTS

SB 441 requires judges and court personnel in New Mexico to complete annual, evidence-based training on domestic abuse starting in 2026. It updates custody standards to mandate courts consider evidence of child or domestic abuse when deciding custody, including protection orders or arrests. The bill also bars courts from ordering reunification programs or psychological evaluations in contested custody cases where abuse evidence exists - unless the evaluator meets specific qualifications. This directly affects family court proceedings, judges, court staff, and families navigating custody disputes involving abuse allegations.