New Mexico Senate Bill SJR13

New Mexico 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/22

Caption

Vote For Constitutional Amendments, Ca

Impact

If SJR13 is adopted, it would fundamentally alter the current process by which constitutional amendments are proposed and approved in New Mexico. This requirement for a two-thirds majority is intended to prevent what some lawmakers view as hasty or politically motivated amendments that lack strong bipartisan backing. The resolution outlines an approach to submission of constitutional amendments to the electorate, indicating that these approved amendments would be presented at the next general election or at a special election if called beforehand, thereby increasing voter engagement on important changes.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 13 (SJR13) proposes an amendment to Article 19, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution. The primary aim of this resolution is to require a two-thirds majority approval by both houses of the legislature for the passage of proposed amendments to the state constitution. This change seeks to enhance the legislative oversight and control in the amendment process thereby making it more difficult to alter the constitution without significant consensus among elected legislators. By raising the threshold for legislative approval, the resolution attempts to ensure that changes to foundational laws reflect a broader political agreement.

Contention

While proponents argue that requiring a greater consensus will lead to more thoughtful and stable changes to the constitution, critics express concerns that it may hinder the ability to address pressing issues that require swift constitutional adaptation. Opponents argue that this two-thirds requirement could lead to gridlock on important amendments, thereby stifling necessary reforms. The debate surrounding SJR13 reflects broader tensions regarding the balance between legislative authority and the electorate's power to initiate constitutional changes directly.