Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us). Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

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

SPONSOR	Cisneros		DATE TYPED	2/9/04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Investigate El Llano Acequia Election				SB	SJM 59
					ANALYST		Wilson

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05	Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
			NFI

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Memorial requests the Attorney General and the State Engineer to investigate the December 2003 election for El Llano Acequia election of commissioners to ensure the correct administration of Section 73-2-14 NMSA 1978 and all other laws regarding acequia and community ditch elections and the administration of water rights.

Significant Issues

Section 73-2-14 NMSA 1978 provides that voters in elections for acequia or community ditch officers must have water rights on the acequia or community ditch.

The El Llano Acequia commission election of officers was held in December 2003, and members of the acequia have raised questions regarding the conduct of that election, asserting that officers who were ineligible were elected .

The proper and fair allocation of water from acequias and ditches is the responsibility of the officers of those political subdivisions.

During the current drought, it is imperative that New Mexico's scarce water supply be lawfully distributed and all laws relating to water be scrupulously administered and enforced.

DW/njw:dm