SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 14

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

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING TO AMEND ARTICLE 8, SECTION 9 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO REQUIRE ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION AUTHORIZED TO LEVY TAXES OR ASSESSMENTS TO HAVE A GOVERNING AUTHORITY ELECTED BY QUALIFIED ELECTORS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION.

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

     Section 1. It is proposed to amend Article 8, Section 9 of the constitution of New Mexico to read:

     "No tax or assessment of any kind shall be levied by any political subdivision whose enabling legislation does not provide for an elected governing authority. All qualified electors who are residents of that political subdivision shall be eligible to vote in elections for the governing authority. This section does not prohibit the levying or collection of a tax or special assessment by an initial appointed governing authority where the appointed governing authority will be replaced by an elected one within six years of the date the appointed authority takes office. [The provisions of this section shall not be effective until July 1, 1976.]"

     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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