Summary:

 Senate Joint Resolution 10 (SJR 10) proposes an amendment to Article 8, Section 5 of the New Mexico Constitution to provide a 50% property tax exemption for active emergency first responders and retired emergency first responders who have earned a pension equal to 100% of their final average salary. To qualify, the first responder must occupy the property as their primary residence. The proposed constitutional amendment will be submitted to voters for approval at the next general election or at a special election called for that purpose. 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Joint Resolution 10 (SJR 10) seeks to amend the New Mexico Constitution to establish a 50% property tax exemption for qualified emergency first responders. The exemption applies to active full-time certified emergency first responders who have completed at least one year of service beyond any required probationary period. It also extends to retired first responders who receive a pension equal to 100% of their final average salary, as calculated under the applicable public employees retirement system plan. To qualify, the individual must use the property as their primary residence. The burden of proving eligibility for the exemption is placed on the person claiming the exemption.

The resolution specifies that the amendment will be presented to voters at the next general election or a special election called for that purpose. If approved, the legislature will be responsible for enacting laws to implement the exemption.

Implications

SJR 10, if approved by voters, will reduce property tax revenue by exempting 50% of the taxable value of qualifying properties occupied by eligible emergency first responders. The total fiscal impact depends on the number of active and retired first responders who qualify and apply for the exemption. The exemption could create revenue losses for local governments, which rely on property tax revenue for public services, including schools, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The burden of administering the exemption will fall on local tax authorities, which must verify eligibility and adjust tax rolls accordingly. If the measure is approved, the legislature will need to determine additional implementation details, such as certification processes and potential adjustments for inflation or eligibility criteria. 

Current Law:

 Under current law, New Mexico provides a property tax exemption for certain individuals, including heads of households, honorably discharged veterans, and their surviving spouses. No exemption specifically for emergency first responders exists in the state constitution. The proposed amendment would create a new category of property tax exemption for this group.