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

SPONSOR Rodriguez

DATE TYPED 3/1/05

HB

SHORT TITLE Study Chimayó Chile and History

SJM 31

ANALYST Medina

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

Minimal Non-Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates House Joint Memorial 63

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Commission of Public Records

Department of Agriculture (DOA)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Joint Memorial

Senate Joint Memorial 31 proposes to request that the State Commission of Public Records

(State Records Center and Archives) conduct a study to document the cultural, traditional and

industrial connection of Chimayó chile to the present life ways in Chimayó and the surrounding

Northern New Mexico community. The joint memorial requests that the agency provide a writ-

ten report on the history of Chimayó chile to the Governor and the Legislature by December 31,

2005.

The joint memorial also proposes to request that the New Mexico Department of Agriculture

conduct a seed, soil and industry study of Chimayó chile; work with the local community in

planning the long-term cultural asset preservation and industrial development of Chimayó chile;

and provide a written report of its recommendations for preserving Chimayó chile seeds, soil

composition, land, growers and industrial development to the Governor and Legislature by De-

cember 31, 2005.

Senate Joint Memorial 31 -- Page 2

Significant Issues

The Commission of Public Records contends that given the scope of the requested study, the

necessary research could prove time-consuming and require significant resources as wells as ad-

ditional, temporary staff. Furthermore, the Commission of Public Records believes it is unlikely

that a written report could be completed in the amount of time allowed.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The Commission of Public Records contends that the project would require additional temporary

staff but does not specify or suggest a cost for a temporary employee. The Department of Agri-

culture suggests that, at minimum, the agency would require an additional ¼ temporary FTE.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Commission of Public Records employs the State Historian and an assistant State Historian

who would assume the primary responsibilities provided in this joint memorial. It is unclear how

many employees of the Department of Agriculture would be involved in conducting the study

and preparing the report.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The joint memorial refers to the State Records Center, while the official statutory name of this

agency is the State Commission of Public Records. The agency is also unofficially referred to as

the State Records Center and Archives.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The proposed request of the State Commission of Public Records is consistent with the agency’s

mission, which includes the promotion of an understanding and appreciation of New Mexico’s

history.

ALTERNATIVES

The Department of Agriculture suggests securing funding to conduct a study and prepare a report

through a Memorandum of Agreement.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS JOINT

MEMORIAL.

The Legislature would not resolve to request studies of Chimayó chile from the Commission of

Public Records and the Department of Agriculture.

DXM/yr