NM SM7

Requests the New Mexico Legislative Council to convene a redistricting task force to develop recommendations for improving the state's redistricting process, including drafting proposed legislation

Court cases from the 2001 and 2011 redistricting cycles cost the state more than $9,000,000, and the 2021 Redistricting Act created a citizen committee that lacked demographic diversity and produced only advisory (non-binding) maps

Task force would consist of 13-15 members including four legislators, major political party chairs, and 7-9 public members appointed by the State Ethics Commission, with required representation from Indian nations/tribes/pueblos and at least three members unaffiliated with major parties

Task force scope includes examining other states' independent redistricting commissions, addressing the advisory-only status of citizen committee maps, and receiving input from political parties, tribal representatives, voting rights organizations, and demography experts

Findings and recommendations due to the Legislative Council and at least two interim committees by December 31, 2027