44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS CONDUCT A STUDY REGARDING THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A METROPOLITAN COURT SYSTEM IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.

WHEREAS, due to population growth and population shifts, the current system of municipal courts and magistrate courts in Santa Fe county, Dona Ana county, Chaves county, McKinley county, Sandoval county, San Juan county and Valencia county merits review; and

WHEREAS, it is also necessary to analyze the size of caseloads in the municipal courts and magistrate courts in Santa Fe county, Dona Ana county, Chaves county, McKinley county, Sandoval county, San Juan county and Valencia county; and

WHEREAS, a review of the municipal courts and magistrate courts in Santa Fe county, Dona Ana county, Chaves county, McKinley county, Sandoval county, San Juan county and Valencia county will provide the legislature with the information it needs to make informed decisions regarding the feasibility of establishing metropolitan court systems in those counties;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the administrative office of the courts be requested to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of establishing a metropolitan court system in Santa Fe county, Dona Ana county, Chaves county, McKinley county, Sandoval county, San Juan county and Valencia county; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that preliminary results of the study be presented to the legislative finance committee and an interim legislative committee with jurisdiction over judicial issues no later than October 31, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the final results of the study be presented to the legislative finance committee and an interim legislative committee with jurisdiction over judicial issues no later than October 31, 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to the director of the administrative office of the courts.