SANTA FE – New Mexico Chief Justice David K. Thomson called on state lawmakers January 21 to provide critical funding for court operations, including security, technology upgrades, jury trial expenses, and employee pay, during his State of the Judiciary address to a joint session of the Legislature.
Chief Justice Thomson emphasized the pivotal role of state courts in delivering justice, highlighting that New Mexico courts handled approximately 354,000 cases in the most recent fiscal year.“ The overwhelming majority of individuals seeking justice through the courts seek justice in state courts,” Thomson said. “Above all else, when you enter these doors, it is our obligation to bring a just resolution of these cases in a timely manner, with no prejudice toward status or position, applying reasoned and reliable facts to the rule of law.”
Budget Priorities for the Judiciary
Chief Justice Thomson outlined the Judiciary’s budget priorities for the coming year, with a focus on addressing pay disparities among court employees, enhancing safety at courthouses, and improving technological resources.
The top funding priority is $14 million to increase pay for judicial employees, such as court clerks, who currently earn nearly 25% less than their counterparts in comparable executive branch roles.
“To level the field so the Judicial Branch can reduce costly turnover and more efficiently maintain our workforce, this funding is essential,” Thomson said.
Additional funding requests included:
$2.2 million in recurring funding to cover jury trial expenses. Without the increase, courts could run out of money for jury trials, which totaled 740 across district, magistrate, and metropolitan courts in fiscal year 2024.
$25 million for courthouse security upgrades over the next six years. Thomson highlighted the urgency of this request, referencing a recent incident in Farmington where a man threatened to kill a judge, prompting courthouse closures.
$3.5 million to expand pretrial justice services and monitor defendants using electronic tracking devices in four additional judicial districts covering 12 counties.
$3 million to improve cybersecurity, email systems, and internet connectivity.
$40 million to implement a speech-to-text system for courtrooms, ensuring accurate realtime transcripts and upgrading audio-video equipment to streamline judicial processes.
Innovative Programs Addressing Community Challenges
The Chief Justice also showcased recent Judiciary initiatives aimed at addressing broader community issues. These include competency diversion pilot programs in three judicial districts, which connect individuals with mental illnesses to treatment and support services instead of jail. A fourth program is slated to launch this year.
Additionally, Thomson announced the rollout of an assisted outpatient treatment program in the First Judicial District (Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Rio Arriba counties) and the relaunch of a similar program in the Second Judicial District Court. These initiatives focus on court-ordered treatment for individuals struggling with mental illness.
“The Judiciary does not sleep on the Courts’ work as a community problem-solver,” Thomson said. “Courts have a front-row seat for the many challenges facing our local communities and work every day to help address these issues with innovative solutions.”
Efforts such as eviction diversion programs, guardianship initiatives, specialized dockets for veterans, and rural justice programs were highlighted as examples of the Judiciary’s commitment to serving New Mexico’s diverse communities.
As lawmakers deliberate over the state’s budget, the Judiciary’s funding requests underscore the pressing need to support courts in fulfilling their role as pillars of justice and problem-solving in the state.