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SJR 11

Memorials, Recognition - School Custodians -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

Amends NM Constitution to allow school elections (bonds, mill levies, board races) to be on the same ballot as partisan elections; requires voter approval at 2026 general election.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · SJR 11

Summary — SJR 11 (School Elections Timing, Constitutional Amendment — New Mexico)

Status: Action postponed indefinitely (last reported).
Introduced: November 12, 2024.
Type: Senate Joint Resolution — proposed amendment to the New Mexico Constitution.
Sponsors (per fiscal note): Senators Trujillo and Gallegos; Representative Armstrong.
Subject areas: State constitution; education; elections.

Main purpose

SJR 11 proposes to amend Article 7, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution by removing the sentence that requires school elections be held “at different times from partisan elections.” In practical terms, it would allow school district ballot questions (e.g., bonds, mill levies, board elections) to be placed on the same ballots as partisan elections. Because this is a constitutional amendment, it would take effect only if approved by voters at the next general election (November 2026) or at a special election called for that purpose.

Key provisions / changes

  • Strikes the constitutional requirement that “All school elections shall be held at different times from partisan elections.”
  • Directs that the amendment be submitted to voters at the next general election (Nov 2026) or at a special election held earlier for that purpose.
  • No implementation language or appropriations are in the resolution itself — it simply places the amendment question on the ballot for voter ratification.

Fiscal impact

  • One-time (nonrecurring) state election costs are estimated at $35,000–$50,000 (printing, ballot length, required bilingual publications and voter guides). These costs are borne by the Secretary of State for printing, publication and ballot production associated with constitutional amendments.
  • If voters approve the amendment, school districts may avoid the expense of separately funded special elections (which districts currently pay for). Consolidating school ballot questions onto partisan ballots could reduce local special-election costs and administrative burden for county clerks.
  • PSFA/LESC note a potential secondary fiscal effect: more districts placing bond/mill levy questions during higher-turnout partisan elections could increase local capital outlay revenue and, in some cases, reduce local matching requirements for state school capital outlay awards — potentially increasing state capital outlay obligations depending on passage rates and applications.

Administrative and operational effects

  • Secretary of State: one-time increased print/publication costs for ballot materials associated with placing a constitutional amendment before voters.
  • County clerks: likely reduction in the number of special elections they must administer if districts consolidate election timing.
  • School districts: potential savings from reduced need to fund special mail elections and change in timing for capital planning and bond/mill levy campaigns.

Policy and substantive considerations

  • Historical context: the restriction dates to New Mexico’s 1910 Constitutional Convention and reflects a long legislative and voter-history of amendments and compilation issues (notably voter-approved changes in 2008, 2010 and 2014 and a 2017 NM Supreme Court decision clarifying the text).
  • Expected effects on turnout and governance: consolidating school elections with partisan elections may increase voter participation and diversity of the electorate for school questions, but it could also introduce increased partisan dynamics into school board and local school ballot contests.
  • Uncertainty: the net fiscal impact on state capital outlay funding and PSCOC matching depends on district behavior, election outcomes, and subsequent applications for state funding.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • As a constitutional amendment, final implementation requires voter approval at the ballot (target: Nov 2026 general election, or a special election prior to that).
  • At the legislative level SJR 11 received “do pass” recommendations in committee stages (Rules; Education; Government, Elections & Indian Affairs) per committee reports, but the overall status is listed as “action postponed indefinitely” as of the most recent update.

If you want, I can prepare a brief one-page explainer for school boards or a timeline showing next steps if the resolution were revived and advanced to the ballot.

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

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