April 5, 2001

HOUSE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 79

The Honorable Ben Lujan and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 645, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This bill allows the Office of the State Engineer to employ mediation and arbitration to resolve water rights adjudications. The provisions of this bill are unnecessary; nothing in current law prohibits the State Engineer from employing alternative dispute resolution practices instead of litigation to determine water rights.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

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