HOUSE BILL 469

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Debbie A. Rodella

FOR THE LAND GRANT COMMITTEE

AN ACT

RELATING TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; PRESCRIBING DUTIES OF THE GUADALUPE HIDALGO TREATY DIVISION; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

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

     Section 1. Section 8-5-18 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2003, Chapter 101, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "8-5-18. GUADALUPE HIDALGO TREATY DIVISION.--

          A. The "Guadalupe Hidalgo treaty division" is created within the office of the attorney general. The division shall:

                (1) review, oversee, [and] address concerns relating to and enforce the provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that have not been implemented or observed in the spirit of Article 2, Section 5 of the constitution of New Mexico and Section 47-1-25 NMSA 1978; and 

                (2) prepare and present to the legislature recommendations for federal legislation or litigation necessary to address the issues identified pursuant to Paragraph (1) of this subsection that the attorney general finds have not been adequately addressed or resolved by the federal government.

          B. The division shall consist of such personnel and have such duties as the attorney general shall designate.

          C. The attorney general shall report the findings and recommendations of the division to the appropriate legislative interim committee and the legislature annually."

     Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the office of the attorney general for expenditure in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 to fund the operation of the Guadalupe Hidalgo treaty division. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2008 shall revert to the general fund.

     Section 3. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.

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