HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 4

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Eleanor Chávez and Joseph Franklin Hernandez

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO ARTICLE 5 TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES COMMISSION TO MAKE POLICY FOR AND DIRECT THE OPERATIONS OF A STATE AGENCY OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILD WELFARE AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

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

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 5 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

          "A. The "children, youth and families commission" is created to make policy for and direct the operations of a state agency of the executive branch responsible for child welfare as provided by law. The governor, the speaker of the house of representatives and the president pro tempore of the senate shall each appoint one member of the commission. Members shall have educational credentials and child welfare and administrative experience as provided by law.

          B. The terms of commission members shall be for six years and shall be staggered as provided by law. A vacancy on the commission shall be filled by appointment by the original appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term. A commission member may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance or neglect of duty, and the supreme court has exclusive original jurisdiction for the removal of a commission member."

     SECTION 2. 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.

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