SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Saturday signed House Bill 141 to increase salaries for New Mexico judges.

“I am pleased to be able to assist the Legislature in making this a reality,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Through this bill, we are investing in our current and future workforce.”

“We appreciate the support of the governor and the Legislature for this investment in state courts to meet the legal needs of New Mexicans. Improved judicial salaries will help attract mid-career lawyers with a diverse legal background to serve as state court judges,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon. “The governor leaves a lasting legacy for all New Mexicans by signing this legislation to recruit and retain the most qualified, experienced legal professionals as judges on New Mexico courts.”

The bill increases the following salaries:

• Justices of the Supreme Court to $232,600, with the chief justice receiving $2,000 more.
• Judges of the Court of Appeals to 95% of the annual salary of the Justices of the Supreme Court.
• Judges of the district courts to 95% of the annual salary of the judge of the Court of Appeals.
• Judges of a Metropolitan Court to 95% of the annual salary of the judges of the district court.

“Our ability to recruit and retain good judges will be greatly improved by making their salaries competitive with other states,” said bill sponsor Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil. “Good judges at all levels are vital to an effective legal system and I’m proud to champion these well-deserved raises for their hard work to uphold the laws of New Mexico.”

“I want to credit my legislative colleagues for their persistence in getting this bill passed,” said bill sponsor House Minority Leader T. Ryan Lane. “Our Supreme Court Justices play a critical role in upholding our Constitutional Republic and it is vital that we provide compensation that continues to attract the brightest legal minds.”