May 21, 1999

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 9

The Honorable Manny M. Aragon and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE BILL 21, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Special Session, 1999.

A version of this legislation was vetoed during the regular legislative session. I believe that my earlier message is applicable to this bill as well:

This legislation establishes a series of reporting provisions and staff training requirements for private corrections companies housing state prisoners. The bill essentially mirrors existing practice and is therefore unnecessary. Private corrections firms doing business with the state are governed by state and federal law in addition to extensive contractual requirements. The enactment of this bill would have virtually no effect on the operation of private correctional facilities in New Mexico.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor