SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 21

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Michael Padilla and Nate Gentry

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 4 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO PROVIDE FOR AN OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRAUD, WASTE, ABUSE, ILLEGAL ACTS AND CORRUPTION IN STATE GOVERNMENT.

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

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 4 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new Section 43 to read:

          "A. An independent "office of inspector general" is created in the legislative branch of government. The inspector general is the head of the office of inspector general. The legislature shall provide for the qualifications and removal of the inspector general and for the oversight, powers and duties of the office.

          B. The inspector general shall receive and investigate complaints concerning alleged fraud, waste, abuse, illegal acts and corruption in state government and shall report the findings of those investigations as appropriate."

     SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

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