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 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. |
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