Section 35-2-4 - Qualification; continuing in office; mandatory training program. - New Mexico Statutes

35-2-4. Qualification; continuing in office; mandatory training program.

A.     As a qualification for continuing in office, each magistrate shall attend at least one magistrate training program each year unless excused in writing by the chief justice of the supreme court for good cause shown.   

B.     The administrative office of the courts shall prescribe and conduct annual magistrate training programs designed to inform magistrates with reference to judicial powers and duties and to improve the administration of justice, and shall notify each magistrate of times and places designated for such training programs each year. All officers, agencies and institutions of the state shall cooperate and assist with magistrate training programs upon request of the administrative office.   

C.     Any magistrate who fails to attend and remain present through all proceedings of at least one magistrate training program during any calendar year without being excused as provided in Subsection A shall be held to have resigned his office, and the administrative office shall revoke his certificate of magistrate qualification and certify the existence of the vacancy to the governor.   

D.     Magistrates shall be reimbursed per diem and mileage for one round trip to attend one magistrate training program each year. Per diem and mileage shall be paid as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act [10-8-1 NMSA 1978].