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.

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* There would be a similar impact in FY2001 to complete the study and present findings to the Legislature and

Governor.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to $45.0 allocation to the Attorney General, in the General Appropriations Act to address concerns related to provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This memorial asks the Attorney General to create an advisory committee to study land grants in New Mexico by:

• •Conducting statewide hearings
• •Study existing law regarding land grants and develop legislation to improve existing law to support interest in community land grants
• •Gather testimony from land grant heirs regarding issues and concerns facing them
• •Gather testimony from community groups and governmental entities to understand the relationship between land grant heirs and other property owners
• •Report findings to the appropriate legislative committee and the Governor recommended changes to existing law, including ownership, water rights, natural resources, sovereignty, land use, industry, eminent domain, planning and qoning prior to the 2000 and 2001 Legislative Sessions.

Significant Issues

By adding this responsibility to the Attorney General's Office, the additional staff time and overhead expense would have to be funded to complete the work within the required time. The existing budget could not absorb the expense of this study.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This study would take place over a one and one half year period, beginning July 1, 1999 through December 31, 2000. To determine the fiscal impact of this study it is assumed that the advisory committee would have the following expenses each of the two years:

Personal Services (.25 attorney, .25 paralegal, .25 secretary) $31,225

Benefits @ 30% 9,375

In-state travel 10,000

Supplies 2,000

Operating Costs (telephone, advertising, printing, postage) 12,000

Total $64,600

This is the estimated annual budget requirement to complete the work required by the advisory committee.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Adding this task to the responsibilities of the Attorney General's Office would create additional administrative workload and supervisory requirements for the office.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

This study has a relationship to funding allocated to the Attorney General in the General Appropriations Act in FY2000, to fund a program to address concerns related to provisions of the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Establishing this advisory committee on land grants for the purpose of conducting hearings, doing research and recommending new legislation would generate substantial interest and support in the state and would likely lead to demand for greater levels commitment by the state in resolving land grant issues.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Will this initiative be coordinated with federally funded efforts intended for the same purpose?

MVs/gm