45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THAT THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DESIGNATE AN INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND ENTITIES UNDER ITS JURISDICTION.

WHEREAS, as we are entering the twenty-first century, it is an appropriate time to review all statutes that govern the office of cultural affairs to determine if these statutes reflect the will of the legislature for this new era; and

WHEREAS, there are several avenues for policymaking that impact the daily functions and actions of the state museums under the authority of the office of cultural affairs; and

WHEREAS, the role of the regents needs to be more clearly defined; and

WHEREAS, the museum curator's role needs to be more clearly defined; and

WHEREAS, the role and composition of the sensitivity committee need to be more clearly defined to reflect societal sensitivities in this technological era; and

WHEREAS, the duties of the office of cultural affairs under the Open Meetings Act need to be more clearly defined; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to inform citizens on a statewide basis of the major decisions made by the office of cultural affairs; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for an appropriate forum for citizens to voice their views on major decisions of the office of cultural affairs, the sensitivity committee, the museums and the regents;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee to review statutes governing the office of cultural affairs and entities under its jurisdiction; review other matters relating to the office of cultural affairs and entities under its jurisdiction, including organization, policies, relationships, authority, regents and their responsibilities, employee competencies, the role of the sensitivity committee, duties under the Open Meetings Act, rights and appeals process of citizens and notification of meetings; hold hearings; and make appropriate statutory revisions and other recommendations, if any, to the first session of the forty-sixth legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico legislative council.