HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 15

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Jeff Steinborn

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SERVICE TO WEBCAST AND ARCHIVE INTERIM COMMITTEE MEETINGS.

     WHEREAS, legislative floor proceedings in forty-eight states, including New Mexico, are available to the public via internet streaming known as webcasts; and

     WHEREAS, the bulk of any legislature's policymaking, but especially New Mexico's, is done in the committees that meet during and between the regular sessions; and

     WHEREAS, it is difficult or impossible for most residents in a state as geographically large as New Mexico to travel the distances required and spend the time necessary to attend an interim committee meeting, whether that meeting is held in Santa Fe or in some other location; and

     WHEREAS, the technology that makes internet streaming possible continues to evolve so rapidly that obstacles to streaming such as cost, access and equipment can be easily overcome, so it is only a matter of time before private entities stream interim committee meetings, either free of charge or for a fee to paying clients; and

     WHEREAS, audio streaming of interim committee meetings in the capitol can be offered at practically no cost and with minimal additional staff effort; and

     WHEREAS, live audio streaming of interim committee meetings outside the capitol could be offered by purchasing broadband access, which is currently available from cellular telephone companies, and basic audio equipment; and

     WHEREAS, live audio and video streaming of interim committee meetings both inside and outside the capitol is increasingly becoming less expensive and technologically easier to offer; and

     WHEREAS, live streaming and archiving of interim committee meetings would also benefit those members of the legislature who are unable to attend meetings, both of committees of which they are members and committees of which they are not; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the legislature's interest to do everything possible to ensure that New Mexicans have free and easy access to the information presented at interim committee meetings and to the deliberations of the committee members;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative council service be requested, within budgetary and technological constraints, to offer live audio and video streaming and archiving of interim committee meetings beginning with the 2010 interim; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the legislative council service.

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