Committee approves memorial asking DOJ and Land Grant Council to study Las Vegas Land Grant restructuring

The House Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee unanimously gave a due pass to House Memorial 24, which requests a study by the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty Division of the Department of Justice and the New Mexico Land Grant Council into the potential consequences of restructuring the Las Vegas Land Grant.

Representative Gonzales introduced the memorial and said the Las Vegas Land Grant is uniquely situated because it is currently managed under the district court rather than operating as an autonomous land grant. Richard Archuleta of the Land Grant Council said the council supports the memorial and recommended a study to develop recommendations for potential legislative action.

Edward Sender, representing the Las Vegas Land Grant online, described local goals including rebuilding a historic stadium, pursuing economic development and constructing an emergency shelter for victims of the Calf Canyon–Hermits Peak fires. He said local leaders expect long-term flood impacts and want autonomy from the judicial district to clarify policies and procedures.

Representative Lord moved a due pass and Vice Chair Sanchez seconded; no opposition was recorded and the memorial was given a due pass and will be referred for study as requested.