NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used for other purposes.

 

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F I S C A L   I M P A C T   R E P O R T

 

 

SPONSOR:

Thompson

 

DATE TYPED:

03/03/03

 

HB

HJR 18/aHGUAC

 

SHORT TITLE:

Lieutenant Governor Appointment

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

Chavez

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04

 

 

 

 

 

$32.0

Non-Recurring

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of  HGUAC Amendment

 

House Government and Urban Affairs Committee Amendment provides that a gubernatorial appointee to fill a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor shall not take office until confirmed by a majority vote of both houses of the legislature.

 

     Synopsis of  Original Bill

 

House Joint Resolution 18 proposes to amend Article 5, Section 5 of the Constitution of New Mexico to provide that in case of a vacancy in the Office of Lieutenant Governor, the Governor shall fill the office by appointment.

 

     Significant Issues

 

Currently, the Governor is required to nominate and with the consent of the Senate appoint all officers whose appointment or election is not otherwise provided for.  Additionally, should a vacancy occur in any state office, except Lieutenant Governor and a member of the Legislature, the Governor is required to fill such office by appointment.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

An estimated non-recurring cost to the general fund in the amount of $32.0 is expected because of the cost to the Secretary of State for advertising and printing to place an item on the ballot.  This non-recurring cost will likely be realized in FY 05 since the next general election is in November 2004 unless a special election is held.

 

FC/prr