HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 5

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Eleanor Chávez

 

 

 

 

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT, A CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES COMMISSION AND AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ASSUME THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT AND ENFORCE THE LAWS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT'S JURISDICTION.

 

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. The children, youth and families commission consists of five members who shall be appointed for six-year terms. Beginning January 1, 2027, the governor, the president pro tempore of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the minority floor leader of the senate and the minority floor leader of the house of representatives shall each appoint one member as provided by law. For the initial appointment of commission members, the member appointed by the governor shall serve for a term of two years and the members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, the president pro tempore of the senate, the minority floor leader of the senate and the minority floor leader of the house of representatives shall each serve a term of four 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. The legislature shall provide by law for the professional qualifications for members of the children, youth and families commission.

          C. No later than July 1, 2027, the children, youth and families commission shall hire an executive director to assume the management and operations of the children, youth and families department and enforce the laws under the jurisdiction of the children, youth and families department. The legislature shall provide by law for the professional qualifications of the executive director of the children, youth and families commission."

     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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