Bill > HJR21

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to New Mexico's emergency powers that would limit the governor's ability to maintain a state of emergency indefinitely. Specifically, any gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency would automatically terminate after 90 days unless the legislature passes a joint resolution extending, modifying, or terminating it, which requires a three-fifths affirmative vote in both legislative chambers. The legislature can extend the emergency declaration for additional 90-day periods through special sessions, extraordinary sessions, or during a regular session if one occurs during the emergency. Importantly, if the governor does not call a special session during an emergency, the legislature can call itself into an extraordinary session to review and potentially modify or terminate the emergency declaration. The proposed amendment would be submitted to voters for approval at the next general election or a special election called for this purpose, giving New Mexico voters the final say on this constitutional change designed to provide more legislative oversight of emergency declarations.