SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A legislative panel has approved a proposal to make it more difficult to change the New Mexico Constitution.
The measure by Republican Sen. John Ryan of Albuquerque would require two-thirds of House and Senate members rather than a majority to approve a constitutional amendment and place it on the ballot for voters to decide.
About three dozen constitutional amendments have been offered this session, including to increase the minimum wage and to legalize marijuana.
Republicans contend that Democrats are trying to bypass GOP Gov. Susana Martinez because constitutional amendments don’t go to the governor to be signed or vetoed.
The Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday approved Ryan’s measure, which is a proposed constitutional amendment, on a 5-4 vote. It goes to another committee for consideration.
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