PERMANENT COURTS & JUSTICE COMMITTEE

SB 456 creates a permanent joint legislative committee called the "Courts and Justice Committee" to study justice system issues. It establishes an 8-member committee (4 from each chamber, with proportional party representation) and grants it authority to conduct hearings, request documents from agencies, and review laws affecting courts and justice services. The committee must submit annual reports with recommendations to the legislature by December 15 each year. This procedural bill does not change laws or funding but creates a dedicated body for ongoing oversight of New Mexico’s justice system.