New Mexico Register / Volume XXXIV, Issue 8 / April 25, 2023

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

The Office of the New Mexico Secretary of State (“Office”) hereby gives notice that the Office will conduct a public hearing on the described rules below.

The purpose of these hearings is to obtain public input on a new rule, Election Fund Grants, Reimbursements and Reporting, to be codified as Part 1.10.36 NMAC.

A public hearing will be held on May 26, 2023, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the State Land Office, 310 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe NM 87504. The public hearing allows members of the public an opportunity to submit data, testimony, and arguments in person on the proposed rule changes detailed below. All comments will be recorded by a court reporter and/or audio recording.

Authority: Section 1-2-1 NMSA 1978 and Subsection A of 1-11-19 NMSA 1978

1.10.36 NMAC Election Fund Grants, Reimbursements and Reporting

Purpose: The purpose for the Election Fund Grants, Reimbursements and Reporting rule is to create uniform, effective procedure for election grants, reimbursements and reporting between the secretary of state and county clerks for the purposes of paying the costs of conducting and administering statewide elections required by the Election Code.

Summary of Full Text: 1.10.36.7 NMAC defines key terms like “eligible expenses,” “election supplies,” and “ineligible expenses.” 1.10.36.8 NMAC establishes timelines and requirements for memorandums of understanding between the secretary of state and county clerks. 1.10.36.9 NMAC contemplates procedures for additional and ineligible expenses. 1.10.36.10 NMAC outlines reporting requirements.

Details for Obtaining a Copy of Rule and Submitting Oral or Written Comments: Copies of the proposed rules are available on the Office’s website at www.sos.nm.gov or can be obtained from the Bureau of Elections by calling (505) 827-3600 or emailing lindsey.bachman@sos.nm.gov. The proposed rule is also available on the New Mexico Sunshine Portal. Interested individuals may provide comments at the public hearing. Before the public hearing, written comments may be sent to Lindsey Bachman, Director of Legislative and Executive Affairs, via email at lindsey.bachman@sos.nm.gov, fax 505-827-8403, or by regular mail at Attn: Lindsey Bachman – proposed rule, The Office of the New Mexico Secretary of State, 325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300, Santa Fe, NM 87501. The deadline to receive written comment is May 25, 2023. All written public comments will be posted on the website throughout the written comment period at: www.sos.nm.gov.

Any person with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing should contact (505) 827-3600 or email lindsey.bachman@sos.nm.gov (5) business days prior to the hearing.