The House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee passed a committee substitute for House Joint Resolution 9 on a 5-4 vote. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Natalie Figueroa (D-Bernalillo) and Representative Daymon Ely (D-Bernalillo & Sandoval), is headed to the House Judiciary Committee.
House Joint Resolution 9 proposes to amend Article 20 of the New Mexico Constitution to establish a constitutionally required independent redistricting commission. The legislation establishes a seven-member redistricting commission of which no more than three may have the same party affiliation. The proposed language prohibits individuals who have been elected officials, involved with a campaign, a candidate, or a paid lobbyist from qualifying for the Commission for a period of time. The legislation gives the IRC authority to file the maps without legislative or executive approval. Comments are closed.
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