44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 5, SECTION 14 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO ALLOW THE VOTERS OF NEW MEXICO TO ELECT THE STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION.

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

Section 1. It is proposed to amend Article 5, Section 14 of the constitution of New Mexico to read:

"There is created a "state highway commission". The members of the state highway commission shall [be appointed] consist of five members elected from the same districts provided by law for the public regulation commission, for staggered four-year terms beginning on January 1 of the year following their election; provided that those chosen at the first general election after the adoption of this section shall immediately classify themselves by lot, so that two of them shall hold office for two years and three of them shall hold office for four years. The commission shall have such power and shall perform such duties as may be provided by law. [Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 5, Section 5, of the constitution of New Mexico, state highway commissioners shall only be removed as provided by law.]"

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