House Memorial 27 requests the New Mexico Legislative Council to establish an interim committee tasked with assessing the most effective methods to implement the exception to the anti-donation clause, as approved by voters in 2022. 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 will explore various questions related to 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 committee is also charged with developing legislative proposals for the 2026 legislative session based on its findings. Key considerations include whether to create a single entity or multiple entities for service provision, the potential for matching funding from local governments, and the establishment of accountability measures for the assistance program. The memorial emphasizes the need for a comprehensive examination of these issues to ensure that public funds are safeguarded while addressing the essential service needs of New Mexico communities.