HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 7

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2024

INTRODUCED BY

Angelica Rubio and Joy Garratt and Katy M. Duhigg

and Kristina Ortez and Bill B. O'Neill

 

 

 

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING TO AMEND ARTICLE 4 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO ADD A NEW SECTION TO CREATE A CITIZEN COMMISSION ON LEGISLATIVE SALARIES TO ESTABLISH, ADJUST AND LIMIT THE SALARIES OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE AND TO AMEND SECTION 10 TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF LEGISLATIVE SALARIES.

 

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

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 4 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

          "A. The "citizen commission on legislative salaries" is established as an independent state agency for the purpose of establishing, adjusting and limiting the salaries of members of the legislature.

          B. The citizen commission on legislative salaries is composed of nine public members, not more than five of whom shall belong to the same political party at the time of appointment, and whose appointments, terms and qualification shall be provided by law.

          C. The citizen commission on legislative salaries shall review, research and consider salaries for the members of the legislature and adopt a final report on its determination to establish, adjust or limit those salaries and shall file that report with the secretary of state on or before January 1, 2026 and at least every four years thereafter. An affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the commission is required for adoption of the commission's final report. The salaries established, adjusted or limited as adopted in the report of the commission shall become effective on the first full state employee pay period in July immediately following the adoption of the report.

          D. A member of the citizen commission on legislative salaries shall serve without compensation but shall receive per diem and mileage as provided by law for similar boards and commissions."

     SECTION 2. It is proposed to amend Article 4, Section 10 of the constitution of New Mexico to read:

     "Each member of the legislature shall receive:

          A. per diem at the [internal revenue service] per diem rate set by the federal general services administration or successor agency for federal employees and officials for the city of Santa Fe for each day's attendance during each session of the legislature and the internal revenue service standard mileage rate for each mile traveled in going to and returning from the seat of government by the usual traveled route, once each session as defined by Article 4, Section 5 of this constitution;

          B. per diem expense and mileage at the same rates as provided in Subsection A of this section for service at meetings required by legislative committees established by the legislature to meet in the interim between sessions; [and]

          C. a salary established or adjusted by the citizen commission on legislative salaries; and

          [C.] D. no other compensation, perquisite or allowance."

     SECTION 3. 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.

- 3 -