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.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

** See Fiscal Implications Section of this report.

Conflicts with Senate Joint Resolution 13

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files.

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Resolution 14 amends Article 4, Section 5 of the Constitution of New Mexico to shorten the length of 60-day sessions to 45 days and of 30-day sessions to 25 days.

Significant Issues

Currently, the Legislature meets for 60 days in odd-numbered years and 30 days in even-numbered years. During the 30-day sessions, the Legislature may consider only (1) budgets, appropriations and revenue bills; (2) bills drawn pursuant to special messages of the governor; and (3) bills of the last previous regular session vetoed by the governor. This proposed amendment does not change the restrictions now in law.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

If passed, the question would appear on the ballot in the November 2002 general election. Reducing the 60-day sessions by 15 days could reduce session costs by as much as $1.7 million, based on the $6.8 million budget approved by the Legislature this year. Reducing the 30-day sessions by 5 days could reduce session costs by as much as $650.0, based on the $3.9 million budget approved by the Legislature for the last 30-day session in 2000. The fiscal impact would not occur until FY03 for the 45-day session and FY04 for the 25-day session.

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.

CONFLICT

Senate Joint Resolution 13 extends the 30-day sessions in even-numbered years to 60 days and removes the current restrictions of the kinds of items the Legislature may consider during even-numbered years.

DKB/njw:ar