HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 11

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Joseph Cervantes

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 11, SECTION 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO INCREASE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSIONERS.

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 elected from districts 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 of them shall hold office for two years and three 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. A person shall not be elected or appointed as a public regulation commissioner unless the person has a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary educational institution or at least five years of relevant professional experience as determined by law. The increased qualifications provided by this 2012 amendment shall apply to public regulation commissioners elected at the general election in 2014 and subsequent elections and to commissioners appointed to fill a vacancy at any time after January 1, 2013. No commissioner or candidate 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.

- 2 -