This bill is a memorial requesting the New Mexico Legislative Council to assign an interim committee the task of evaluating the most effective methods to implement a voter-approved exception to the state's anti-donation clause, as outlined in Article 9, Section 14 of the New Mexico Constitution. This exception allows the state to allocate funds for essential services, including internet, electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater services, primarily for residential purposes. The committee is expected to explore various questions regarding the efficiency and accountability of different entities in providing assistance for building the necessary infrastructure, as well as the criteria for determining which communities receive assistance.
The interim committee will also be responsible for developing legislative proposals for the 2026 legislative session based on its findings. Key areas of examination include the potential for a single entity versus multiple entities to manage assistance programs, the criteria for determining essential services, the possibility of requiring matching funds from local governments, and the establishment of accountability measures for state assistance programs. The bill emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure that public funds are safeguarded while addressing the diverse needs of New Mexico communities in accessing essential utility services.