45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT AN APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE OPERATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION.

WHEREAS, the public regulation commission's myriad responsibilities stretch from regulating electric, telecommunications and natural gas companies to insurance companies, and from regulating transportation companies to enforcing fire protection codes; and

WHEREAS, the current organizational structure and responsibilities of the public regulation commission may not be appropriate given the broad differences in the areas that the commission is charged with regulating; and

WHEREAS, the early operation of the public regulation commission, following its creation by merging the state corporation commission and the public utility commission, has been plagued by questionable decisions, missteps and controversy; and

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that the state's regulation and oversight of the issues under the responsibility of the public regulation commission be conducted in an efficient and professional manner;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to assign to an appropriate interim committee the task of reviewing the responsibilities, organization and operational structure of the public regulation commission; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee report its recommendations for improving the operation of the public regulation commission to the second session of the forty-fifth legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the legislative council service.