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HJR 7

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS IN ALL SESSIONS, CA

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matthew McQueen and 1 co-sponsor

Constitutional amendment eliminating restrictions on bill consideration outside regular sessions, expanding when lawmakers can pass legislation.

action postponed indefinitely
#constitutionofnewmexico #legislature
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Bill Summary · HJR 7

Legislative bill overview

HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the New Mexico Legislature to consider and pass bills during all legislative sessions, not just regular sessions. Currently, New Mexico's constitution limits certain legislative activities to designated regular sessions, which constrains when lawmakers can address issues during special or interim sessions.

Why is this important

This change would fundamentally alter New Mexico's legislative process by removing temporal restrictions on bill consideration. It could enable faster legislative response to emergencies and allow more flexibility in scheduling, but it also raises questions about whether limiting sessions serves important purposes like ensuring deliberate policymaking and protecting taxpayers from excessive legislative activity.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive power balance: Allowing bills in all sessions could shift power dynamics between the governor (who calls special sessions) and the legislature, potentially enabling lawmakers to circumvent gubernatorial control over when special sessions occur
  • Legislative budget and efficiency: Expanding when bills can be considered may increase taxpayer costs for longer or more frequent sessions and staff time without corresponding benefits
  • Deliberation concerns: Regular session limitations have historically encouraged careful vetting of legislation; removing them could accelerate passage of poorly considered measures
  • Stakeholder access: Special session restrictions currently give interest groups and the public predictable windows for engagement; unlimited consideration could complicate public participation in the legislative process

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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