SJR 14 SECESSION OF COUNTIES, CA

Sen Cliff R. Pirtle

Actions: [2] SRC/SJC-SRC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Joint Resolution 14 (SJR 14) proposes an amendment to Article 1 of the NM Constitution to establish procedures to allow counties to petition the legislature and Congress to form a new state.  

 Senate Joint Resolution 14 (SJR 14) proposes an amendment to Article 1 of the NM Constitution to establish procedures to allow counties to petition the legislature and Congress to form a new state.
SJR 14 would allow three or more contiguous counties to petition Congress to form a new state if fifteen percent of the electors signed a petition asking for a special election with at least two-thirds of the electors casting votes in each county supporting this measure, and the members of the county commission unanimously resolved to join no less than two other contiguous counties in petitioning Congress to form this new state. Each county will pay any outstanding debt to the state, and Congress must consent to it. If these conditions are met, SJR 14 directs the legislature to consent to the measure.

If passed, SJR 14 will be submitted to the people of the state who will approve or reject this proposed amendment at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose. 

  There is no constitutional or legal provision for secession from the state.