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Committee recommends study to assess civil legal services for victims of domestic violence
Summary
House Memorial 34 would ask the state Supreme Court to convene a task force to assess civil legal services for domestic‑violence survivors and identify gaps, particularly for indigent victims; the committee recommended the memorial for further consideration.
Representative Herndon presented House Memorial 34 asking the Supreme Court to convene a statewide task force to evaluate civil legal services for victims of domestic violence, focusing on access gaps for indigent survivors and making recommendations to address shortages and funding shortfalls.
Mary Ellen Garcia, CEO of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in strong support and described recent layoffs at New Mexico Legal Aid that limited the availability of free civil legal services in parts of the state. Wynter (testimony spelled “Winter” in transcript) and other advocates urged the memorial, saying access to civil legal assistance improves survivors’ odds of securing protection orders, safety planning and housing.
Representative Borrego moved approval; Representative Luhan seconded. There was no recorded opposition; the committee issued a do‑pass recommendation. Committee members discussed including tribal nations in the task force and the sponsor confirmed tribal participation was intended even though the draft list did not explicitly name tribal representatives.
