Senator Crystal Diamond Advances Bipartisan Legislation Changing Appointment Authority for State Game Commission
SANTA FE – House Bill 184, sponsored by Senator Crystal Diamond (R-Elephant Butte) and Representative Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo) cleared the Senate Rules Committee today with several amendments. The bill changes the appointing authority for the State Game Commission by giving the Legislative Council the power to appoint four of the seven members. Currently, all seven members are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. “I want to thank Representative McQueen and my colleagues for advancing this important bill,” said Senator Diamond. “The Governor has neglected these appointments and the Commission was recently unable to hold meetings because they lacked enough members for a quorum. In addition to creating more stability for the Commission, this legislation will depoliticize its makeup and provide a more diverse representation.” Under the provisions of House Bill 184, the Governor will appoint three commissioners and the Legislative Council will appoint four members: a rancher or farmer; a conservationist with a wildlife organization not focused on a game species; a hunter or angler; and a scientist with a master’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, fisheries science or management, wildlife management, or a similar field. The Senate Rules Committee amended the bill to require confirmation by the Senate for all appointees. The bill will now be referred to the Senate Conservation Committee. ###
