SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 54

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Lynda M. Lovejoy

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION.

     WHEREAS, the public regulation commission is charged with very challenging and diverse responsibilities, including regulating public utilities, motor carriers, telecommunications companies and the insurance industry, ensuring pipeline safety, overseeing the state fire marshal's office and the firefighter training academy bureau and registering all corporations doing business in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, members of the public rely on the public regulation commission to protect their interests and to ensure fair and reasonable rates as well as adequate services; and

     WHEREAS, the public regulation commission is governed by five elected members who are not required to have any experience in utility regulation yet are entrusted to handle that very complex matter for all New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, various members of the public regulation commission have faced ethical and criminal charges that have shaken the public's confidence in the commission; and

     WHEREAS, a recent ethics survey completed by the staff of the public regulation commission revealed claims of unethical behavior and concern by employees over hiring and promotional practices; and

     WHEREAS, the public regulation commission would benefit from an examination of its structure and function to ensure that it can effectively and efficiently meet its responsibilities and to ensure that the public is being served in the best possible way; 

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate interim legislative committee to study the structure and function of the public regulation commission; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, as part of the study, the committee be directed to consider oversight requirements, specific member qualifications and the inclusion of appointed members on the public regulation commission; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee be directed to hold a hearing on the issue by November 1, 2010; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council and the members of the public regulation commission.

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