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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR Grubesic
ORIGINAL DATE
LAST UPDATED
1/22/08
HB
SHORT TITLE Bipartisan Re-Districting Commission
SJM 23
ANALYST Cox
APPROPRIATION (dollars in thousands)
Appropriation
Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY08
FY09
NFI
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
Senate Joint Memorial 23 requests that the Legislative Council appoint a committee to study the
feasibility of creating an independent bipartisan redistricting commission.
This Joint Memorial contemplates that there will be proportional representation of majority and
minority parties and of the house and senate on this committee.
This Joint Memorial requests a study on the feasibility of creating an independent, bipartisan
redistricting commission to compose district plans for public education commission, public
regulation commission, legislative and congressional races that are representative of New
Mexico's population.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES
Senate Joint Memorial states that:
Achieving proper political representation of New Mexico communities and minority
groups fosters a healthy political environment in races for elective office.
Competition in the political process helps guarantee that elected officials will represent
the full diversity of New Mexico.
pg_0002
Senate Joint Memorial 23 – Page
2
Using a fair and open process to redraw New Mexico's political boundaries would
reinvigorate the connection between elected officials and the residents of New Mexico.
Broad citizen participation in the redistricting process will produce more accountability
in government, strengthen public confidence in government and improve the quality of
public policy.
PRC/bb