Lcda. Mariel Soto Irizarry como Jueza Superior del Tribunal de Primera Instancia.

2025-2028 Session

Governor nominates Lcda. Mariel Soto Irizarry for a Superior Judge position, initiating Senate advice-and-consent confirmation.

Nombramiento retirado por la Gobernadora

Summary of Bill NM 440 (Session 2025-2028; Jurisdiction: Puerto Rico)

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks the nomination and confirmation of Lcda. Mariel Soto Irizarry to serve as a Jueza Superior del Tribunal de Primera Instancia (Superior Judge of the Court of First Instance) in Puerto Rico.

It is presented as a formal designation from the Governor’s office for the Senate of Puerto Rico to give advice and consent (consuelo y consentimiento) as part of the constitutional and legal process for judicial appointments.

Key Provisions and Changes

Nomination: The Governor (Jenniffer Colón González) formally nominates Lcda. Mariel Soto Irizarry to the position of Jueza Superior del Tribunal de Primera Instancia.

Confirmation Process: The bill signifies the initiation of the standard constitutional process for judicial appointment, including recommendation to the Senate and the requirement for Senate consent.

Official Communication: The nomination is accompanied by an official letter dated June 18, 2026, addressed to the President of the Senate (Hon. Thomas Rivera Schatz).

Who/What is Affected

Individual: Lcda. Mariel Soto Irizarry would be appointed as a Jueza Superior del Tribunal de Primera Instancia if the Senate grants its advice and consent.

Judicial System: The appointment would affect the composition of the Superior Court of the Court of First Instance in Puerto Rico, potentially impacting judicial leadership, caseload management, and jurisprudence at the trial court appellate level.

Governmental Process: The Governor’s Office and the Senate of Puerto Rico are involved in the appointive-confirmation process for this judicial position.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Nominating Authority: Governor of Puerto Rico (Lafortaleza, San Juan address provided) submits the nomination.

Action History:

2026-06-18: Nomination announced.
2026-06-18: Nomination referred to Senate committees for consideration.

Next Steps (implied): Senate committees would review the nomination, hold hearings if applicable, and report to the full Senate with a recommendation on advice and consent. The full Senate would then vote to approve or reject the nomination.

Additional Notes

The document provided is a formal nominating letter rather than a detailed bill with provisions, amendments, or funding parameters. It centers on the constitutional process for appointing a Superior Judge rather than introducing extraneous policy changes.

No specific terms, tenure details, or salary information are included in the text provided. Any such details would typically be governed by existing Puerto Rico judicial appointment statutes and constitutionally defined tenure.

If you’d like, I can compare this nomination with prior similar appointments to provide context on typical confirmation timelines, or extrapolate potential implications for the court based on the profile of the nominee and the current judicial landscape.