HB 147 REFORM STATE GAME COMMISSION

Rep Matthew McQueen

Actions: [2] not prntd-HRC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 House Bill 147 (HB 147) The act reforms the State Game Commission appointment process. 

 House Bill 147 (HB 147): The commission will consist of seven members.
Three members will be appointed by the governor, with no more than one member residing in any one county and no more than two members affiliated with the same political party.
Four members will be appointed by the New Mexico legislative council, each representing specific positions:
•	Position four: A rancher or farmer managing a property with at least two game species.
•	Position five: A conservationist from a non-game wildlife conservation organization.
•	Position six: A hunter or angler with a New Mexico license for the previous four years.
•	Position seven: A scientist with at least a master's degree in a relevant field.
Commissioners' terms will be six years, and they can serve for a maximum of two terms.
A partial term is counted as one full term unless it's less than one full year.
If a commissioner dies, resigns, no longer meets qualifications, or misses three consecutive meetings, the position becomes vacant, and a successor is appointed.  Commissioners can only be removed for incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance, with a process involving notice and an opportunity to be heard.
The director of the New Mexico outdoor recreation division or their designee will be an advisor to the commission.  The effective date of the provisions of this act is January 1, 2025.