New Mexico Senate Bill SJR10

New Mexico 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23

Caption

Repeal Of Enacted Laws, Ca

Impact

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.