44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO DEVELOP CRITERIA FOR IMPLEMENTING AND MAINTAINING A REGISTRY OF COMMUNITY LAND GRANTS IN A UNIFORM AND CLEAR MANNER THAT WILL PRESERVE THE HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND LEGAL RECORD FOR THE FUTURE.

WHEREAS, community land grants have existed in New Mexico since the beginning of the Spanish settlement in the early 1600s, in the last millennium; and

WHEREAS, the only complete official registry of the community land grants is with the federal government; and

WHEREAS, almost all of the surviving community land grants exist in New Mexico and remain as a living repository of the colorful and grand history and culture of this great state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the secretary of state be requested to develop criteria for implementing and maintaining a registry of community land grants in a uniform and clear manner that will preserve the historical, cultural and legal record for the future; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of state.