AN ACT

RELATING TO FEDERAL MILITARY BASES; ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF MILITARY BASE PLANNING AND SUPPORT; ESTABLISHING THE MILITARY BASE PLANNING COMMISSION; PROVIDING FOR EFFORTS TO ENSURE THE LONG-TERM VIABILITY OF THE STATE'S MILITARY BASES; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION; ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE NMSA 1978.

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

Section 1. OFFICE OF MILITARY BASE PLANNING AND SUPPORT CREATED--DUTIES.--

A. The "office of military base planning and support" is created, which is administratively attached to the economic development department. The department shall provide administrative services to the office.

B. The secretary of economic development shall appoint a director of the office of military base planning and support.

C. The director of the office of military base planning and support shall:

(1) employ, under the authorization of the secretary of economic development, the staff necessary to carry out the work of the office of military base planning and support and the military base planning commission;

(2) support the commission;

(3) inform the governor and the secretary of economic development about issues impacting the military bases in the state, including infrastructure requirements, environmental needs, military force structure possibilities, tax implications, property considerations and issues requiring coordination and support from other state agencies;

(4) serve as a liaison with the community organizations whose purpose is to support the long-term viability of the military bases;

(5) communicate with the staff of the state's congressional delegation; and

(6) identify issues, prepare information and provide for presentations necessary for the commission to carry out its duties.

Section 2. MILITARY BASE PLANNING COMMISSION CREATED--COMPOSITION.--

A. The "military base planning commission" is created, which is administratively attached to the economic development department. The department shall provide administrative services to the commission.

B. The military base planning commission consists of fifteen members, thirteen of which are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The commission shall include the lieutenant governor, the secretary of economic development and appropriate representatives from the counties, or adjoining counties, in which military bases are located.

C. The governor shall appoint a chair from among the members of the commission. The commission shall meet at the call of the chair and shall meet not less than quarterly. Members of the commission shall not be paid but shall receive per diem and mileage expenses as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act.

Section 3. DUTIES.--The military base planning commission shall:

A. obtain and evaluate information about the federal government's considerations, plans, policies and initiatives relating to military base realignment and closure;

B. obtain and evaluate information relating to the impact of federal military base realignment and closure plans on the state's economy and the military base area's local economy;

C. work with and provide assistance to established community organizations that have as their purpose the support of the long-term viability of the military bases in their local area;

D. ensure collaboration among the community organizations described in Subsection C of this section and an understanding of the joint efforts between the military bases in the state;

E. work with and provide assistance to the state's congressional delegation on matters relating to federal base realignment and closure plans; and

F. advise the governor on measures necessary to ensure the continued presence of military bases in the state.

Section 4. TERMINATION OF AGENCY LIFE--DELAYED REPEAL.‑-The office of military base planning and support and the military base planning commission are terminated on July 1, 2005 pursuant to the provisions of the Sunset Act. The office and the commission shall continue to operate according to the provisions of this act until July 1, 2006. Effective July 1, 2006, this act is repealed.

Section 5. The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2003.

HB 323

Page 3