New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Vigil, In Celebrating Law Day, Commends Efforts For Equal Justice
NMSC News:
SANTA FE Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Vigil Friday called for a renewed dedication to ensuring equal justice for all New Mexicans, and he commended legal aid groups, attorneys and court staff for efforts to expand access to legal services across the state.
“We salute these efforts, but let us offer greater support to those who work daily to provide legal services to those who most need them,” the Chief Justice stated in a proclamation to celebrate Law Day on Saturday. “Let us dedicate ourselves to improving our courts and our justice system, so that we will truly have ‘justice for all. ”
The applicants must fit certain criteria: Two of the ethics commission appointees cannot be members of the Democratic or Republican parties. But independents, Libertarians and members of minor parties may apply. The third ethics commission appointee must be a retired Court of Appeals judge or Supreme Court justice, who will serve as chair of the redistricting panel.
The commission is set to interview applicants and make its selections June 4. The new redistricting law goes into effect July 1.
The legislation calls for the seven-member group to hold a series of public meetings and propose new maps for New Mexico’s congressional and legislative districts.
Signed by the Governor: New Mexico Law Creates State Process to End Qualified Immunity
SANTA FE, N.M. (April 7, 2021) – On Wednesday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill that will create a process to sue in state court when government agents use excessive force or take other actions that violate individual rights without the possibility of “qualified immunity” as a defense.
Rep. Georgene Louis (D) and House Speaker Brian Egolf (D) introduced House Bill 4 (HB4) on Jan. 19. The legislation would create a cause of action in state courts to sue state or local government agencies when their employees or officials “subject or cause to be subjected any resident of New Mexico or person within the state to deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured pursuant to the bill of rights of the constitution of New Mexico.”
Credit Office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed into law the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, strengthening the protection of New Mexicans’ rights, privileges and immunities as provided for in the bill of rights of the state constitution. Here is a statement from the Governor s office:
The measure allows a person to litigate any deprivation of those rights, privileges or immunities and prohibits the use of qualified immunity as a defense for depriving a person of those constitutional civil rights.
Per a Senate amendment, claims from incidents prior to July 1, 2021 – the effective date of the new law – may not be brought. A public body’s liability for damages under the state Civil Rights Act is capped at $2 million.
APS Classrooms Open For Full In-Person Learning –
KOB-TV, Albuquerque Journal, KUNM News
Starting today, Mon. April 5, all Albuquerque Public Schools students are able to return to the classroom in person for the first time in over a year.
In-person learning is optional for the district’s students. KOB-TV reports the number of APS students expected to return to buildings this week varies, with some schools expecting to see all of their students, and others only about a quarter. APS is allowing families flexibility this week to make a final decision about whether their students will remain remote or return to the classroom.