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.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)

Secretary of State

Attorney General's Office

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Resolution 22 proposes to amend the Constitution of New Mexico to authorize an initiative process for state laws or constitutional amendments. The resolution gives the power to propose amendments to the people by requiring a petition signed by qualified voters. If the initiative is enacted into law by the Legislature, then the law is effective upon signature by the Governor. It is a felony for any person to sign any petition with any name other than his/her own or to sign a petition more than once.

Significant Issues

According to the Attorney General's Office, some of the proposed provisions would be difficult to implement, would substantially interfere with the Legislature's functions/authority, and would cause confusion at the ballot box. SJR 22 creates a third method of amending the constitution.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no appropriation contained within this bill. However, the Secretary of State indicates that a cost of placing the amendment on the ballot will be in the range of $17.0. In addition, the AOC indicates that it will cost the Judicial Information System $0.4 for statewide update, distribution, and documentation of statutory changes. The total fiscal implication could be $17.4 from the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Administrative Office of the Courts indicates that there may be an administrative impact on the courts as the result of increased caseloads and the amount of time necessary to dispose of cases.

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