HOUSE RESOLUTION 5

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Ray Begaye

A RESOLUTION

AMENDING THE HOUSE RULES TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE HOUSE LOUNGE.

     WHEREAS, House Rule 24-1 provides that the rules of the house may be amended by a two-thirds' vote of the members of the house or by a majority vote of the members of the house upon the recommendation of the rules and order of business committee;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that House Rule 23-2 be amended to read:

"23-2     Only [persons who are] members of the legislature or officers and employees of the legislature having official duties directly connected with the business of the house shall be admitted to the floor, rostrum [lounges] and hallways. Exceptions to this rule shall be:

                (a) the governor and representatives of [his] the governor's office on official business and carrying written accreditation from the governor; and

                (b) former members of the legislature,

provided they carry written accreditation of their status from the chief clerk, and special guests of the house, and provided such former members and guests are seated, with the speaker's consent, only on the speaker's rostrum."; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that House Rule 23-9 be amended to read:

"23-9     Only [persons who are] members of the legislature and their immediate families shall be permitted the privileges of the house [lounges] lounge, provided that:

                (a) a member of the legislature may be

accompanied in the lounge by up to two guests who are not registered lobbyists and who may not remain in the lounge unaccompanied;

(b) employees of the legislature shall be admitted to the lounge for only so long as is necessary to perform their duties; and

                (c) the speaker may permit providers of

specialty services to be present periodically in the lounge.".

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