This bill amends Section 17-1-2 of the New Mexico Statutes to establish procedures for the removal of appointed members of the State Wildlife Commission. It specifies that commissioners can only be removed for incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, and outlines that the governor may initiate removal proceedings. The bill mandates that commissioners receive notice of the hearing and an opportunity to be heard before removal, with the New Mexico Supreme Court holding exclusive original jurisdiction over such proceedings, making its decisions final.

Additionally, the bill sets forth the qualifications and composition of the commission, which consists of seven voting members with specific expertise in wildlife, hunting, and fishing. It stipulates that members must be New Mexico residents and outlines the appointment process, including the requirement for a list of qualified nominees from the state wildlife commission nominating committee. The term limits for commissioners are also defined, with a maximum of two terms allowed after January 1, 2027, and provisions for filling vacancies due to death, resignation, or failure to meet qualifications. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Final Version: 17-1-2