NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

*See Fiscal Implications section of this report.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

The joint memorial requests that the Legislative Council reappoint an interim water committee to develop legislation to improve the efficiency and timeliness of water rights administration, adjudication and enforcement. The committee is to propose legislation by December 1, 1999 for consideration by the 2000 legislature.

Significant Issues

The joint memorial identifies numerous legal and administrative issues surrounding water in New Mexico, including New Mexico's authority and struggle to administer water, compliance with and problems of the Rio Grande Compact, problems in the Pecos river basin and the lower Rio Grande and diminishment of water quality.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The committee will presumably earn per diem and mileage for attending the interim meetings. Funding will likely come from the interim expense appropriation to the Legislative Council contained in House Bill 1.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Legislative Council Service will be required to provide staff support to the interim committee.

DKB/gm