New Mexico Republicans file ballot measure to limit governor's emergency powers

Republican members of the New Mexico House of Representatives filed a bill this week to limit the governor's executive authority.

The Republicans, spearheaded by Minority Leader T. Ryan Lane, R-Aztec, filed HJR 8. If the bill becomes law, it would require that emergency declarations from the governor expire after 90 days unless a special legislative session is called and the legislature approves an extension. However, the bill would require a supermajority to extend the measures.

Lane said the measure is not just about current Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, as it would also apply to any future governors.

For the bill to become law, it would need approval from the legislature and the voters, but not the governor. The lawmakers are attempting to create a new constitutional amendment. Therefore, they need simple majorities in the House and Senate. If they can get that, then it would become a ballot question for voters to approve -- and the governor would have no veto power over it.

The proposal comes as Republican state legislators in New Mexico have opposed the way Governor Lujan Grisham has used emergency powers in recent years, including with the coronavirus pandemic and controversial gun control measures.

The bill has been assigned to the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee, but no further action has been taken.