Veracruz and Querétaro advance judicial and constitutional reforms

Legislative bodies in Veracruz and Querétaro are advancing significant judicial and constitutional reforms.

In Veracruz, the State Congress approved a reform to Article 78 of the State Constitution, proposed by Governor Rocío Nahle García. The measure eliminates the requirement for a 'declaración de procedencia' (legal immunity) for municipal presidents, council members, and syndics. This change allows the Prosecutor's Office and the Judiciary to investigate and prosecute these officials without prior legislative authorization. The reform must still be ratified by the state's 212 municipalities.

In Querétaro, the LXI Legislature is working on judicial harmonization to align state laws with federal reforms. This includes establishing procedures for the popular election of judges scheduled for 2028 and creating mechanisms to fill judicial vacancies. The proposed reforms will be sent to the state's 18 municipalities for analysis and feedback. Additionally, the state's judiciary is expanding the use of 'Sonia,' an artificial intelligence system designed to assist in organizing legal information and drafting documents, with plans for broader implementation by 2027. There is also a legislative initiative to restore the historical name 'Supremo Tribunal de Justicia del Estado' to the judicial branch.