SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 11

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Cliff R. Pirtle

 

 

 

 

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE STATE TO CONSENT TO THE SECESSION OF THREE OF MORE CONTIGUOUS COUNTIES.

 

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

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 1 of the

constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

     "The state of New Mexico consents to the secession of three or more contiguous counties if:

          A. no less than fifteen percent of the qualified electors in each of the contiguous counties sign a petition requesting that the county hold a special election on the question of whether the counties should secede to be admitted to the union as a new state or join an adjoining state;

          B. the counties each hold a special election, at which no less than two-thirds of the votes cast by the qualified electors in each of the counties are cast in favor of seceding;

          C. the county commission of each of the

counties unanimously resolves to join with the other contiguous counties to secede;

          D. each county pays any outstanding debt to the state or the instrumentalities of the state; and

          E. congress passes a law that is signed by the president of the United States that provides consent for the counties to secede."

     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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