NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates SJM 22 (2000 Regular Session)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

SJM 8 requests the creation of a legislative committee to oversee and assist the federal General Accounting Office (GAO) in its investigation of New Mexico land grant claims flowing from the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe. The memorial states that many of the land rights recognized by the treaty have been lost to the grantees and their heirs. The GAO investigation would evaluate the legal obligation of the federal government to protect those land grant rights and determine how to resolve issues stemming from the federal failure to protect the rights of the community land grants.

Significant Issues

According to NMDA, the outcome of a GAO investigation could result in congressional actions that could have significant impact upon the state. If historic land grants and rights are determined to have been violated, and if any congress acts to redress these violations, land currently owned by others could be vested to those with ownership claims. Among other things, this could have ramifications on property taxes and water rights.

RWP/gm