The bill amends the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code to grant local governments in New Mexico the power of eminent domain, which allows them to acquire private property for public use. This change is intended to enhance local governments' ability to promote economic development, mitigate unemployment, and improve public health and welfare in designated metropolitan redevelopment areas. The legislative intent emphasizes the importance of enabling local governments to acquire, own, lease, and improve properties to facilitate various public services, including medical care, housing, and recreational facilities.

Specifically, the bill modifies Section 3-60A-3 and Section 3-60A-10 of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978, replacing the phrase "other than" with "including the power of eminent domain" to clarify that local governments are now empowered to use eminent domain as part of their redevelopment efforts. This legislative change aims to provide local governments with the necessary tools to effectively address slum and blighted areas, ensuring that redevelopment projects can proceed in a manner that benefits the community and promotes economic stability.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 3-60A-3, 3-60A-10