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

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 5, SECTION 5 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO REQUIRE RECONFIRMATION OF ALL GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES UPON THE ELECTION OF A GOVERNOR TO A SECOND CONSECUTIVE TERM.

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

Section 1. It is proposed to amend Article 5, Section 5 of the constitution of New Mexico to read:

"A. The governor shall nominate and, by and with the consent of the senate, appoint all officers whose appointment or election is not otherwise provided for and may remove any officer appointed by him unless otherwise provided by law. Should a vacancy occur in any elective state office, except lieutenant governor and member of the legislature, the governor shall fill such office by appointment, and such appointee shall hold office until the next general election, when his successor shall be chosen for the unexpired term.

B. At the first regular session of the legislature following the commencement of a second consecutive term of a governor, he shall submit for the reconfirmation or rejection by the senate the names of all of his qualified and serving cabinet appointees along with the names of his cabinet appointees to fill existing vacancies for confirmation or rejection."

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 which may be called for that purpose.