SENATE BILL 264

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Nancy Rodriguez

AN ACT

RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; CREATING THE DISABILITIES CONCERNS SUBCOMMITTEE AS A PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.

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

     Section 1. A new section of Chapter 2, Article 13 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] DISABILITIES CONCERNS SUBCOMMITTEE CREATED--MEMBERSHIP--APPOINTMENT--DUTIES--REPORT.--

          A. The "disabilities concerns subcommittee" is created as a permanent subcommittee of the legislative health and human services committee. The subcommittee shall be composed of six members. The New Mexico legislative council shall appoint three members from the house of representatives and three members from the senate. At the time of making the appointments, the legislative council shall designate the chair of the subcommittee. Members shall be appointed so as to give the two major political parties in each house the same proportionate representation on the committee as prevails in each house; provided that in no event shall either of such parties have less than one member from each house on the subcommittee.

          B. Members of the disabilities concerns subcommittee may be removed from the subcommittee by the legislative council, at the request of the subcommittee chair, for nonattendance according to legislative council policy. Vacancies on the subcommittee, however caused, may be filled by the legislative council, or the legislative council may reduce the size of the subcommittee by not making replacement appointments and, in such case, need not readjust party representation. No action shall be taken by the subcommittee if a majority of the total membership from either house on the subcommittee rejects such action.

          C. The disabilities concerns subcommittee shall conduct a continuing study of the programs, agencies, policies, issues and needs relating to individuals with disabilities, including review and study of the statutes, constitutional provisions, regulations and court decisions governing these programs, agencies and issues. The subcommittee shall also study the full continuum of programs and services available and needed for individuals with disabilities.

          D. By October 1 of each year, the subcommittee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations and recommend any necessary legislation to the legislative health and human services committee."

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