Longstanding redistricting reform champion Rep. Natalie Figueroa introduced a new companion version of the proposed constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 10. This bill is currently identical to Senate Joint Resolution 7, with Senator Leo Jaramillo serving as lead sponsor. 

Additional information on hearings for these bills will be posted on this website.

SJR7 will have its first hearing in the NM Senate Rules committee. Advocates are urged to call or email all committee members, asking them to vote yes (“Do Pass”) for establishing an independent redistricting commission. (If you happen to be a resident of the member’s district, please say so.)
 
Senator Katy M. Duhigg, D-Chair
Senator Leo Jaramillo, D-Vice Chair
Senator Greg Nibert, R-Ranking Member
Senator Gregory A. Baca, R
Senator Linda M. López, D
Senator Brenda G. McKenna, D
Senator Mark Moores, R
Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino, D
Senator Cliff R. Pirtle, R
Senator Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics, D
Senator, Mimi Stewart, D

The following is an excerpt from the members' column for the Albuquerque Journal, OPINION: NM needs an independent redistricting commission with teeth.

"This session, we are working to establish a truly independent redistricting commission to increase public trust. We took a step in this direction with our first Citizens Redistricting Committee in 2021, but its work was not binding. Currently, the Legislature can accept or redraw the boundaries created by the committee. Allowing legislators to choose their own voters in this way is a blatant conflict of interest. Our Joint Resolution would make an independent redistricting process permanent and binding, ensuring that voters choose their legislators, not the other way around.

Our Joint Resolution would put the creation of this commission on the 2024 ballot for voter approval. This commission would have nine members, three from each of the two parties with the largest number of registered voters and three from unaffiliated or minor parties. Every 10 years, the secretary of state would mail out applications to 4% of a random selection of qualified electors proportional to party affiliation. The SOS could also accept applications from others interested. From those applications, 120 would be randomly selected to reflect the demographic and geographic diversity of N.M."

Read the full article HERE. 

The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission voted unanimously to support SJR7, the Senate Resolution to create an independent redistricting commission. Leonard Gorman, their Executive Director, has been a key contributor to this effort for over three years and drafted the approved resolution.

The Commission surmised "...that the establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission in the State of New Mexico best preserves, protects and advances Navajo Nation interests with governmental entities that serve the Navajo people."

The Commission, established by the Navajo Nation Council, collects data regarding discriminatory acts against citizens of the Navajo Nation.

After collecting input from stakeholders and model bill research by Election Reformers Network, the Fair Districts New Mexico coalition drafted new legislation to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) in our state. Pre-filed in the NM Senate by Senators Leo Jaramillo and Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, the bill remains championed by long-time redistricting advocate Rep. Natalie Figueroa.
 
Senate Joint Resolution 7, if passed by the NM Legislature, will go before voters on the 2024 general election ballot. As a constitutional amendment, it will not require signature by the governor.
 
Regular updates regarding the bill’s progress during the legislative session will be posted on this website.