Guide offered for Const. Amendments

Associated Press

Updated: Jul 30, 2012 11:10 AM

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Legislature's research arm is helping voters get an early start on learning about proposed constitutional amendments to be decided in the November general election.

The Legislative Counsel Service has published an analysis with pros and cons of the five amendments, and it's available on the Legislature's web site ( http://bit.ly/MQMXeU ).

Three of the measures will revamp the Public Regulation Commission, including allowing the Legislature to establish minimum qualifications for elected commissioners and creating an independent insurance regulatory office. The five-member commission regulates utilities, telecommunications and motor carriers such as ambulances.

Another proposal, if adopted by voters, will establish the Public Defender Department as an independent state agency.

Voters also will decide whether to increase the membership of the Judicial Standards Commission, which investigates alleged misconduct by judges.

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