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.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Conflicts with House Joint Resolution 5

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

The joint resolution proposes to amend Article 4, Section 5 of the New Mexico Constitution to provided for annual regular sessions of 45 days. The proposal eliminates the restriction of considering only fiscal bills, bills drawn pursuant to special message of the governor and bills from the last previous regular session vetoed by the governor during even-numbered years.

Significant Issues

Currently, the constitution provides for 60-day sessions in odd-numbered years and 30-day sessions in even-numbered years. In even-numbered years, only fiscal bills, bills drawn pursuant to special message of the governor and bills from the last previous regular session vetoed by the governor may be considered by the legislature.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The Secretary of State reports that it costs $17.0 to place a constitutional item on the ballot.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The appropriations committees may need to advance their schedules for acting on the General Appropriation Act.

CONFLICT

House Joint Resolution 5 proposes to amend Article 4, Section 5 of the New Mexico Constitution to require 60-day sessions in even-numbered years and 30-day sessions in odd-numbered years. The designation that only fiscal bills, bills drawn pursuant to special message of the governor and bills from the last previous regular session vetoed by the governor be addressed during 30-day sessions remains.

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