Committee backs technical fixes to Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund

Representative Miguel Sanchez introduced House Bill 184, as amended, saying the measure makes technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to prevent creation of "trapped balances" and streamline distributions to natural-resource programs. The committee then opened the bill for public comment.

Zoe Barker, legislative director with Conservation Voters New Mexico, told the committee the proposed change was a necessary correction and that the fund ‘‘will just help leverage more money for it.’’ Laurel Martinez of Western Resource Advocates described personal experience with programs supported by the Legacy Fund and thanked sponsors and staff for the bipartisan effort. Colt Hallen of the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts also voiced support. Online testimony from Sabai Jati of Trout Unlimited said the change would help get funding "onto the ground" for watershed and wildlife work.

After testimony, Representative Duncan moved a due-pass recommendation for HB184; the motion was signed by Representatives Herrera, Sarinana and Lujan. The chair asked for opposition, and with none heard, the committee adopted the due-pass recommendation. The committee record shows the bill proceeds with a fiscal committee recommendation.

The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the action was entered as adopted on a voice vote or unanimous consent. The bill will proceed per the committee’s due-pass recommendation.