The New Mexico Legislature approved a bill eliminating post-adjudication and bench warrant fees. The legislation also expands the definition of community service to encourage participation in job training, academic or vocational programs, or rehabilitation programs in lieu of payment of all or part of fines, fees, and costs. Additionally, defendants ordered to a period of confinement will receive credit toward the payment of fine, fees or costs at a rate of twenty-four times the state minimum wage for each day or portion of a day of incarceration.
Read the full text of the bill here and the press release here.
Primary sponsor(s): Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena
Bill number: HB 139
Name of Bill (as introduced): Eliminating Court Fees
Status: Pending