In the fast-paced world of New Mexico politics, legislative efficiency and transparency remain key concerns for our team at Common Cause – as well as with lawmakers and voters.

Representative Matthew McQueen (D – Sandoval & Santa Fe Counties) has introduced a series of proposals aimed at improving the legislative process, ensuring accountability, and giving the public a stronger voice in governance. From adjusting session lengths to eliminating pocket vetoes, these resolutions and rule changes could have a lasting impact on how laws are debated and enacted in the state.

HJR 1: 45-45 Session Length

House Joint Resolution 1 is an effort to divide the number of days in the current legislative calendar. This constitutional amendment would give voters a say in adjusting the length of legislative sessions and expanding the range of topics which can be considered during each session.

Currently, the legislative session consists of one 60-day and one 30-day session in the biennium. The new proposal would split the days, giving legislators two 45-day sessions to address the needs of New Mexicans. Additionally, the resolution would allow all bills to be considered in the even years by removing the restrictions created by the governor’s message.

HJR 2: Eliminate Pocket Vetoes

In another proposal possibly headed for voters, Representative McQueen is calling for increased government transparency. The governor does not have to veto legislation in New Mexico to prevent it from becoming law. A pocket veto prevents a bill from becoming law by allowing the time to sign the bill to expire rather than issuing a formal veto. Voters would be given the opportunity to eliminate this “pocket veto” by making bills that have not been signed nor vetoed become law. The resolution also requires the governor to provide a substantive explanation when legislation is vetoed.

Both resolutions have received overwhelming bi-partisan support from lawmakers. HJR 1 passed the House on a 59-4 vote, while HJR 2 was passed unanimously. They will now be introduced into the Senate.

HCR 1: Limiting bill introduction by Lawmakers

New Mexico has some of the shortest legislative sessions in the United States. From 2020 to 2024, an average of 755 bills were introduced in each session. The proposed change would limit each member to 5 bills per session. With a 560-bill maximum, legislators would be able to dedicate a higher level of consideration to a less congested schedule.

House Concurrent Resolution 1 is currently with the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee. It is awaiting an initial committee hearing.

HR 1: Publish yes/no votes and names on committee reports

Another proposal aimed at increasing transparency is House Resolution 1. The new rule would require committee reports to be published with a legislator’s name and their corresponding vote.

HR 1 currently sits with the House Rules and Order of Business Committee.

As these measures move through the legislative process, they reflect a broader effort to modernize and streamline governance in New Mexico. Whether it’s allowing more flexibility in legislative sessions, increasing transparency in committee votes, or ensuring that bills receive due consideration, these proposals highlight a commitment to a more accountable and effective government. With bipartisan support behind many of these efforts, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these changes become reality.