SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 17

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Cliff R. Pirtle

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 2 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 2 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

          "A. The residents of New Mexico have a right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife lawfully. Wildlife belongs to this state and is held in trust for the benefit of the residents of this state.

          B. Exclusive authority to enact laws to regulate the manner, methods or seasons for hunting, fishing and harvesting wildlife is vested in the legislature, which may delegate rulemaking authority to the state game commission. No law shall be enacted and no rule shall be adopted that unreasonably restricts hunting, fishing and the use of traditional methods for harvesting wildlife. Laws and rules authorized under this section shall have the purpose of wildlife conservation and management and preserving the future of hunting and fishing.

          C. Lawful public wildlife harvesting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife.

          D. This section shall not be construed to modify any provision of common law or statutes relating to trespass or property rights."

     SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

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