The proposed amendment aims to enhance local governance and empower counties within New Mexico, providing them a mechanism to challenge state legislation perceived as unfavorable or misaligned with local needs. Supporters believe that it gives residents a greater voice in the legislative process and can lead to quicker responses to local concerns. This change could potentially create a significant shift in how state laws are interacted with at the local level, encouraging grassroots political activism.
Summary
SJR10, introduced by Senator Cliff R. Pirtle, proposes an amendment to Article 4, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution that would enable counties to repeal state laws. This amendment allows three-fourths of counties to express their objection to a law and assent to its repeal through resolutions. Once such resolutions are filed with the Secretary of State, the law's operation would be suspended until the issue is put to a public vote at the next general election, where a majority of votes is needed for the law to be annulled.
Contention
However, SJR10 is subject to debate regarding its potential implications on state governance and legislative authority. Critics express concerns that this amendment could lead to instability in state law as various counties might reject laws passed by the state legislature. There are worries about the administrative burden this creates for counties in organizing and filing petitions, as well as the possibility of conflicts arising between counties and state legislation. The scope of laws open to repeal may also spark disputes regarding which types of laws can be subjected to this process.
Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for enactment of laws concerning property tax reform, campaign finance, lobbying, government ethics, and elections procedure by Statewide initiative and referendum.
In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for United States Senator and nominations and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships; and, in nominations of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, for nominations by minor political parties, for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees and for nominations by political bodies, repealing provisions relating to filing fee and further providing for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for vacancy in party nomination by failure to pay filing fee or for failure to file loyalty oath.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.