SENATE MEMORIAL 45

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Mark Boitano

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SENATE BE MADE AVAILABLE TO VIEWERS AND LISTENERS VIA THE INTERNET.

     WHEREAS, legislative proceedings in more than forty states across the country are available to the public via the internet, bringing public policy debates and "democracy in action" into the living rooms of citizens and the classrooms of students; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislature showed its support for streaming its proceedings to the citizens it represents by appropriating seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) for that purpose in 2005; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislative council, at its January 14, 2008 meeting, declined to direct staff to issue a request for proposals to solicit bids so that webcasting could begin; and

     WHEREAS, a majority of the members of the senate have expressed support for webcasting senate proceedings;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative council service be requested to proceed as expeditiously as possible with the necessary arrangements and contracts to ensure that the proceedings of the senate will be streamed on the internet beginning in 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the legislative council service.

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