HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 31

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

William "Ed" Boykin

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS TO STUDY THE APPROPRIATENESS OF ESTABLISHING A DONA ANA COUNTY METROPOLITAN COURT.

     WHEREAS, in 1979, metropolitan court legislation was passed for a class A county with a population of more than two hundred thousand persons; and

     WHEREAS, this legislation only affects Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, there is support for a Dona Ana county metropolitan court from the city of Las Cruces, the third judicial district court judges, the Dona Ana county sheriff and New Mexico state university; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico supreme court and the administrative office of the courts are willing to consider the establishment of a Dona Ana county metropolitan court; and

     WHEREAS, the creation of a Dona Ana county metropolitan court would replace the current municipal and magistrate court systems; and

     WHEREAS, there would be more effective and professional oversight of a Dona Ana county metropolitan court by the administrative office of the courts; and

     WHEREAS, the city of Las Cruces supports a study by the administrative office of the courts on the appropriateness of creating a Dona Ana county metropolitan court;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the administrative office of the courts be requested to study the appropriateness of establishing a Dona Ana county metropolitan court; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the administrative office of the courts report its findings to the corrections oversight, courts and justice committee no later than November 30, 2005; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the administrative office of the courts and the chairperson of the corrections oversight, courts and justice committee.

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