Signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that expands access to state programs for English language learners, and specifies the duties of the State Secretary of State.

Highlights:

• Expands the powers and duties of the Secretary of State of New Mexico (Sec. 1, Pgs. 1-6).

• Requires the Secretary to implement a departmental plan to provide meaningful access to state programs for individuals with limited English proficiency, including (Sec. 1, Pgs. 3 & 4):

• An annual public assessment determining the need for services to expand access for such individuals;

• Interpretation and translation services, and bilingual staffing;

• Competitive salary structures for employees with multilingual proficiencies; and

• Submission of an annual report regarding implementation of a language access plan.

• Requires the Secretary to serve as supervisory authority over all departments and department employees, except where said personnel are exempt from such authority (Sec. 1, Pg. 1).

• Prohibits any rule adopted by the director of any governmental division, and the changing of any rule that affects a member of a governmental agency, from being effective until approved by the Secretary, and laid before the Secretary in a public hearing to be conducted in Santa Fe (Sec. 1, Pg. 5).

• Requires the Secretary to implement the strategic plan developed by the Sustainable Economy Task Force (Sec. 1, Pg. 3).

• Requires the Secretary to issue orders and instructions to ensure the implementation of State laws (Sec. 1, Pg. 2).

• Requires the Secretary to provide courses and practical training for employees of the Executive Branch (Sec. 1, Pg. 2).

• Requires the Secretary to issue bonds to the various departments and divisions, and create an annual budget for the Executive (Sec. 1, Pgs. 2 & 4).

• Specifies that this act takes effect July 1, 2022 (Sec. 2, Pg. 6).

Full Bill Text