SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2024

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino and Eleanor Chávez and Siah Correa Hemphill and Bill Tallman

 

 

 

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF A CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES COMMISSION AND AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DIRECT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT, AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

 

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

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

          "A. The "children, youth and families commission" and "children, youth and families department" are created and shall each have such powers and duties as provided by law.

          B. Beginning January 1, 2026, the children, youth and families commission shall consist of three members who shall be appointed for six-year terms. The governor, the president pro tempore of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall each appoint one member as provided by law. For the initial appointment of commission members, one member appointed by the governor shall be appointed for a term of two years, one member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives shall be appointed for a term of four years and one member appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate shall be appointed for a term of six years. Vacancies on the commission shall be filled by the original appointing authority, and a person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. Members of the children, youth and families commission shall only be removed as provided by law.

          C. The legislature shall provide by law for professional qualifications for members of the children, youth and families commission.

          D. Beginning July 1, 2026, the children, youth and families commission shall hire an executive director to oversee the children, youth and families department."

     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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