PRC reform may hit snag in Senate

From NM Politics.net - by  Gwyneth Doland - Measures aimed at reforming the Public Regulation Commission passed unanimously in the state House last week, but they might not have such a smooth passage through the Senate. “We’re delighted that momentum continues to gather behind this legislation, with groups from the Association of Commerce and Industry to the Young Democrats supporting it, but now we have to navigate the more turbulent waters of the Senate,” said the primary advocate for the proposals, Fred Nathan of the nonpartisan think tank Think New Mexico. Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, told NMPolitics.net he has concerns about the proposals, which would ask voters whether to amend the N.M. Constitution to require increased qualifications for commissioners (HJR 11), move corporation responsibilities to the Secretary of State’s Office (HJR 16) and create an independent superintendent of insurance (HJR 17). The three joint resolutions need only Senate approval to be put on the ballot this November. But Sanchez alone controls the Senate floor calendar. “I think we have to look at this more carefully than in a 30-day session,” Sanchez said. “We need to take a very careful look.” Read more

PRC reform may hit snag in Senate