HOUSE BILL 492

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Georgene Louis

AN ACT

RELATING TO CULTURAL PROPERTY; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO STUDY PROTECTIONS FOR CULTURAL PROPERTY AND PATRIMONY; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

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

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATIONS.--

          A. One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the cultural affairs department for expenditure in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 for a study to be completed in collaboration with the office of the attorney general to identify ways to prevent the theft, wrongful sale and alienation of cultural property and cultural patrimony from the state in violation of state and federal laws; to determine how to strengthen related state laws; and to develop related proposed legislation for presentation to the legislative interim committee that studies Indian affairs by November 1, 2017. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2018 shall revert to the general fund.

          B. Two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the office of the attorney general for expenditure in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 to provide for personnel to complete work on a study to be completed in collaboration with the cultural affairs department to identify ways to prevent the theft, wrongful sale and alienation of cultural property and cultural patrimony from the state in violation of state and federal laws; to determine how to strengthen related state laws; to develop related proposed legislation for presentation to the legislative interim committee that studies Indian affairs by November 1, 2017; and to assist in the prosecution of the theft, wrongful sale and alienation of cultural property or patrimony. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2018 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 2. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.

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