New Mexico Register / Volume XXXIII, Issue 2 / January 26, 2022

STATE GAME COMMISSION MEETING AND RULE MAKING NOTICE

The New Mexico State Game Commission (“Commission”) will be hosting a meeting and rule hearing on March 4, 2022 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the New Mexico Tech Macey Center, 17 Olive Lane, Socorro, NM 87801. The purpose of this meeting is to hear and consider action as appropriate on the following: presentation of proposed changes to the Hunting and Fishing License Revocation rule.

Synopsis:

The proposal is to repeal and replace the Hunting and Fishing License Revocation rule, 19.31.2 NMAC, which will become effective April 1, 2022.

Proposed changes include:

1. Changing the point value for various Chapter 17 violations. Creating a 40 pt category for the most serious offenses. Eliminating the 17, 15, and 7 point categories.

2. Creating a simpler revocation timeline structure which better addresses repeat violators or felony offenses.

3. Clarifying that the department may recommend increased or decreased revocation periods for egregious or mitigating circumstances to the hearing officer or commission.

4. Streamlining the suspension process for individuals who owe child support, have failed to pay a penalty assessment violation to the department, failed to pay civil restitution owed to the department, failed to appear in court on a wildlife violation or have been revoked in the wildlife violators compact.

5. Allowing video conference appearances by violators and witnesses at revocation hearings.

6. Removing redundant and/or obsolete language or definitions

A full text of changes will be available on the Department’s website at: www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

Interested persons may submit comments on the proposed changes to the Hunting and Fishing License Revocation rule at DGF-revocations@state.nm.us; or individuals may submit written comments to the physical address below. Comments are due by 8:00 a.m. on February 28, 2022. The final proposed rule will be voted on by the Commission during a public meeting on March 4, 2022. Interested persons may also provide data, views or arguments, orally or in writing, at the public rule hearing to be held on March 4, 2022.

Full copies of text of the proposed new rule, technical information related to proposed rule changes, and the agenda can be obtained from the Office of the Director, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507, or from the Department’s website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/commission/proposals-under-consideration/. This agenda is subject to change up to 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please contact the Director’s Office at (505) 476-8000, or the Department’s website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us for updated information.

If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the Department at (505) 476-8000 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the Department at 505-476-8000 if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.

Legal authority for this rulemaking can be found in the General Powers and Duties of the State Game Commission 17-1-14, et seq. NMSA 1978; Commission’s Power to establish rules and regulations 17-1-26, et seq. NMSA 1978.