New Mexico 2023 Regular Session

New Mexico House Bill HJR8

Introduced

1/23/23

Report Pass

2/7/23

Report Pass

2/16/23

Report Pass

3/3/23

Engrossed

3/4/23

Report Pass

3/10/23

Caption

Legislative Salaries, Ca

Impact

Should HJR8 pass, it promises to alter the current structure of how legislative salaries are determined. By making the legislative salaries subject to oversight by a citizen commission, the amendment aims to enhance public accountability within state governance. The proposal includes specific instructions on how salaries should be considered, ensuring they are at least equal to the statewide median household income based on the latest census data. This benchmark is designed to align legislative compensation with the economic realities faced by citizens.

Summary

HJR8 is a proposed amendment to the New Mexico Constitution that seeks to establish a citizen commission on legislative salaries. This independent body will be tasked with establishing, adjusting, and limiting the salaries of members of the legislature. The introduction of this resolution aims to ensure that legislative compensation is determined more transparently and reflects the perspectives of diverse New Mexico residents. The commission is to comprise nine members, with a balanced representation concerning political affiliation and geographical diversity, to prevent any single viewpoint from dominating decisions.

Contention

While the intent behind HJR8 is to foster transparency and accountability, the bill has faced potential concerns regarding the politicization of salary determinations. Some lawmakers may worry about the independence of the commission and its ability to make unbiased decisions. Furthermore, the amendment allows for a voter referendum to reject or annul the commission's findings, which introduces a mechanism for public intervention but may also lead to increased political maneuvering around salary discussions if various interest groups seek to sway public opinion against proposed salaries.