The Judicial Compensation Commission of New Mexico convened on September 17, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding judicial compensation and retirement. The meeting, chaired by Camille Carey, dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law, included various members from the legal community, highlighting the commission's diverse representation.

A significant focus of the meeting was the recent legislative session's outcomes regarding judicial salaries and pension reforms. Carl Rystek, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, reported that judges and justices received a 4% cost-of-living increase, aligning their salaries with those of state employees. This adjustment raises the annual salary for associate justices to approximately $249,000 and district court judges to about $244,900, positioning New Mexico's judicial salaries as competitive on a national scale.

However, the commission faced setbacks with proposed pension reforms aimed at improving the solvency of judges' retirement funds. Two bills, which received overwhelming support in both the House and Senate, were ultimately pocket-vetoed by the governor, leaving the commission and its members puzzled about the lack of clear communication regarding this decision. Rystek emphasized the importance of addressing pension solvency and recruitment strategies for judges, indicating that these issues will remain a priority for future discussions.

Looking ahead, Rystek suggested that the commission consider resubmitting proposals for cost-of-living increases for judges in the upcoming legislative session. However, he cautioned that the likelihood of these proposals being included in the governor's agenda appears slim, given the constraints of a 30-day session.

The meeting concluded with plans to draft a final report and set deadlines for future discussions, underscoring the commission's ongoing commitment to advocating for judicial compensation and retirement reforms. As the commission navigates these challenges, the implications of their decisions will continue to resonate within New Mexico's judicial system and its ability to attract and retain qualified judges.