SENATE MEMORIAL 103

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Lynda M. Lovejoy

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION TO DEVELOP AND ADOPT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATING PROCEDURES TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY, CONSISTENCY AND THE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES.

     WHEREAS, the constitution of New Mexico creates the public regulation commission and establishes its responsibility to charter and regulate business corporations as provided by the legislature; and

     WHEREAS, the responsibility of the elected commissioners is to carry out the charge of the commission as specified in the constitution and the statutes of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the general powers and duties of the public regulation commission as elaborated in statute specify that the commission may organize into organizational units as necessary to enable it to function most efficiently and to appoint and employ such professional, technical and clerical assistance as it deems necessary to assist it in performing its powers and duties; and

     WHEREAS, the public regulation commission is currently organized into administrative services, consumer relations, fire marshal, insurance, legal, transportation and utility divisions; offices of the general counsel, hearing examiners and public information; and a corporations bureau; and

     WHEREAS, the individual and collective responsibility of the commissioners is rooted in the obligation to protect the best interests of the public, whom they ultimately serve; and

     WHEREAS, this very serious responsibility necessarily demands the careful attention and consideration of the commissioners and precludes the ability to oversee the day-to-day activities of the staff; and

     WHEREAS, in organizations as complex and important as the public regulation commission, written operating procedures commonly guide the day-to-day activities of the commission and the staff and serve to promote accountability, efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of operations;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public regulation commission be requested to develop and adopt administrative operating procedures to ensure accountability, consistency and the efficient and effective use of public resources; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commissioners consider the structure and accountability measures undertaken by the public education commission as a model for these procedures; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these operating procedures clearly specify the responsibility for hiring, firing and supervising staff; the coordination of activities between divisions, offices and bureaus; the development and management of a budget; and the conduct of meetings; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the completion and implementation of these operating procedures be reviewed by the appropriate interim legislative committee as appointed by the New Mexico legislative council; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the public regulation commission and the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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