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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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

**See Fiscal Implications section of this report.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Memorial 18 amends Article 4, Section 8 of the Constitution of New Mexico to limit the terms of a president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives to no more than a total of four terms each.

Significant Issues

Currently, there are no term limits imposed on the positions of the president pro tempore of the Senate or the speaker of the House of Representatives.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

If passed, this question will appear on the ballot is in the November 2002 general election. The Secretary of State reports it costs $30.0 to place an item on the ballot. Included in the cost is: (1) the publishing of constitutional amendments in English and Spanish for four consecutive weeks in one newspaper in each county of the state; (2) the oral translation and radio broadcast into the Native American languages of Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Keres, Zuni, Mescalero Apache, Jicarilla Apache and Navajo; and (3) the printing of amendments booklets in English and Spanish (including Spanish language translation cost) and distribution to all county clerks (100,000 booklets were printed for 2000 general election). Therefore, there would be a nonrecurring cost to the general fund of $30.0 in FY03. This legislation does not include the appropriation necessary to fund these costs.

DKB/ar