SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 6

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

William H. Payne

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 11, SECTION 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION BY THE GOVERNOR.

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

     Section 1. It is proposed to amend Article 11, Section 1 of the constitution of New Mexico to read:

     "The "public regulation commission" is created. The commission shall consist of five members. Three of the members shall be elected from the federal congressional districts for the house of representatives and as provided by law for staggered four-year terms beginning on January 1 of the year following their election; provided that those chosen at the first general election after the adoption of this section shall immediately classify themselves by lot, so that [two] one of them shall hold office for two years and [three] two of them for four years; and further provided that, after serving two terms, members shall be ineligible to hold office as a commission member until one full term has intervened. Two positions on the commission shall be filled by appointment of the governor and confirmed by the senate with one appointee being from each of the two largest political parties in the state. At the first meeting after commissioners have been elected, a chairman shall be elected by the commission from among the commissioners. The chairman shall serve for two years. No commissioner, [or] candidate or appointee for the commission shall accept anything of value from a person or entity whose charges for services to the public are regulated by the commission."

     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 that may be called for that purpose.

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