HOUSE VOTERS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 11

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 11, SECTION 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO INCREASE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSIONERS.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 11, Section 1 of the constitution of New Mexico to read:

     "The "public regulation commission" is created. The commission shall consist of five members elected from districts provided by law for staggered four-year terms beginning on January 1 of the year following their election; provided that those chosen at the first general election after the adoption of this section shall immediately classify themselves by lot, so that two of them shall hold office for two years and three of them for four years; and further provided that, after serving two terms, members shall be ineligible to hold office as a commission member until one full term has intervened. The legislature shall provide, by law, increased educational and professional qualifications for commissioners and continuing education requirements for commissioners. No commissioner or candidate for the commission shall accept anything of value from a person or entity whose charges for services to the public are regulated by the commission."

     SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

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