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

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO INCLUDE AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF REQUESTS FOR DUPLICATE LEGISLATION IN A STUDY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE SYSTEM.

WHEREAS, there is a practice in the New Mexico legislature of introducing identical pieces of legislation in the separate chambers; and

WHEREAS, the motivations behind this practice vary widely, but include the desire to speed the passage of particular legislation by ensuring that each chamber hears the legislation early in the legislative session; and

WHEREAS, the introduction of duplicate legislation may actually slow the passage of legislation as committee agendas become clogged and sponsors spend countless hours trying to ensure that legislation that began as identical remains identical throughout the amendment process; and

WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislative council has directed the legislative council service to undertake a review of the legislative committee system in an effort to assist the legislature in improving the system;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to include in its review of the committee system an examination of the effect of the introduction of duplicate legislation on the committee process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, although memorials have no force, an exception be made in this case and that this memorial not be duplicated for introduction in the other chamber under any circumstances; and

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