44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS; CREATING THE NEW MEXICO TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

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

Section 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.--

A. The legislature finds that:

(1) telecommunications infrastructure is a critical enabling technology for the economic, social and cultural benefits of the rapidly increasing global exchange of information;

(2) telecommunications is primarily a market-driven infrastructure based upon private sector investment and deployment of a wide array of technologies by a wide range of providers; and

(3) New Mexico needs to establish an on-going statewide planning process to take advantage of the existing telecommunications infrastructure and to stimulate demand to encourage and enable long-term innovation and improvement.

B. The purpose of the New Mexico telecommunications council is to ensure that affordable access to the information necessary for New Mexico's economic benefit and quality of life is available to all New Mexicans, regardless of income or location.

Section 2. NEW MEXICO TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL--CREATED--MEMBERS' APPOINTMENT--QUALIFICATIONS.--

A. The "New Mexico telecommunications council" is created, administratively attached to the economic development department.

B. The New Mexico telecommunications council shall consist of nine members, appointed with the advice and consent of the senate; three shall be appointed by the governor, three shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and three shall be appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate. The initial membership shall consist of one member appointed by each of the appointing authorities for a term of two years, one member appointed by each of the appointing authorities for a term of three years and one member appointed by each of the appointing authorities for a term of four years; thereafter, members shall be appointed for terms of four years. The membership of the council shall:

(1) reflect the ethnic, economic, geographic and professional diversity of the state; and

(2) include individuals that:

(a) have a demonstrated interest and involvement with telecommunications issues through participation in business, technology applications, public and post-secondary education, health care, libraries or other entities involved in the dissemination or receipt of information; and

(b) have an understanding and appreciation of the diverse needs of telecommunications users and economic development throughout New Mexico.

C. The New Mexico telecommunications council shall meet at the call of the chairman and shall meet not less than quarterly. The chairman shall be elected from among the members of the council. Members of the council shall not be paid but shall receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act.

D. The economic development department shall provide such administrative assistance, meeting space and other necessary facilities and support services as the council may request.

Section 3. NEW MEXICO TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL--DUTIES.--The New Mexico telecommunications council shall:

A. develop goals and plans, both long-range and short-range, to meet the economic and developmental telecommunications needs of New Mexico and its citizens, in consultation with:

(1) the affected public;

(2) appropriate state agencies and local subdivisions;

(3) educational entities;

(4) private industry; and

(5) other entities that the council deems appropriate;

B. study the status of basic and advanced telecommunications services;

C. identify any incentives needed to encourage investment in telecommunications infrastructure in urban and rural areas;

D. develop a state plan to maximize federal grants and funding for telecommunications infrastructure available to citizens, industry, schools, health care and libraries;

E. cooperate with and assist the chief information officer and information technology commission in any telecommunications infrastructure assessment;

F. determine how best to minimize state and local government expenditures by fostering and encouraging the development of telecommunications infrastructure;

G. analyze how state-owned telecommunications facilities can be used more efficiently to support the provision of advanced telecommunications service by private industry;

H. analyze the feasibility and efficacy of any national or state projects that have been successful in increasing the availability of telecommunications and information services in rural areas; and

I. by December 1 of each year, report its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature.

Section 4. APPROPRIATION.--Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the New Mexico telecommunications council for expenditure in fiscal year 2001 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund.