Bill > SJR9

This Joint Resolution proposes an amendment to the New Mexico Constitution to create a process for counties to seek to form a new state or join an adjoining state. Specifically, it outlines two paths: for counties wanting to become a new state, at least 15% of eligible voters in three contiguous counties must sign a petition, and the county commissions of those counties must unanimously agree to form a new state and petition Congress for admission to the union. For counties wishing to join another state, a similar petition process involving 15% of voters in three contiguous counties (one bordering the other state) is required, along with unanimous agreement from their county commissions, and crucially, the consent of the legislature of the adjoining state must be obtained first. In both scenarios, any changes to state boundaries would only become effective after approval by the U.S. Congress. This proposed amendment will be put to a vote of the people at the next general election.