April 8, 1999

The Honorable Manny M. Aragon and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE BILL 254, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This bill would add a declaration to the Motor Vehicle Code that there is no waiting period before a nonresident can voluntarily register a vehicle in New Mexico. Since there is no waiting period under current law, this does little except perhaps enticing motor vehicle owners in Texas and Arizona to attempt to evade the higher registration fees and personal property taxes in their home state by registering vehicles in New Mexico.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor