HOUSE BILL 301

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Angelica Rubio and Melanie Ann Stansbury

AN ACT

RELATING TO THE LEGISLATURE; CREATING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS REVIEW COMMISSION; REQUIRING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS REVIEW COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND DEVELOP POLICY PROPOSALS RELATING TO IMPROVING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS; REQUIRING A REPORT BY OCTOBER 31, 2022.

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

     SECTION 1. TEMPORARY PROVISION--LEGISLATIVE PROCESS REVIEW COMMISSION--APPOINTMENT--PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS-- REPORTING REQUIRED.--

          A. The "legislative process review commission" is created and shall function from the date of its appointment until October 31, 2022.

          B. The legislative process review commission consists of ten members, no more than five of whom shall be from the same political party. Five members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and five members shall be appointed by the committees' committee of the senate or, if the senate appointments are made in the interim, by the president pro tempore of the senate after consultation with and agreement of a majority of the members of the committees' committee.

          C. The commission shall elect a chair and may elect such officers as it deems necessary to carry out its duties.

          D. Two absences from meetings of the commission constitutes grounds for removal of a member of the commission. Upon the request of the chair of the commission, the appointing authority shall replace the member who has failed to attend two meetings of the commission.

          E. A majority of the members appointed constitutes

a quorum for the transaction of business. The support of a

majority of the members appointed is required for adoption of

any action by the commission.

          F. The commission shall review policies and develop policy proposals relating to:

                (1) legislative transparency;

                (2) legislator compensation;

                (3) staff support for legislators;

                (4) legislative session rules and procedures;

                (5) the capital outlay process; and

                (6) legislative access for the public.

          G. The commission shall submit a report of its findings, including specific recommendations and proposed legislation, to the New Mexico legislative council by October 31, 2022.

          H. The commission may hire or contract for appropriate staff. Staff shall assist the commission as directed by the chair, including conducting interviews with parties that wish to express their views to the commission and synthesizing this information for the commission. The commission may request assistance from the legislative council service.

          I. Members of the commission are entitled to compensation pursuant to the provisions of the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other perquisite, compensation or allowance.

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