Senate passes bill setting qualifications for Public Regulation Commission members

The Senate today passed its version of a bill setting qualifications for the five elected members of the Public Regulation Commission.

The Legislature has to decide on qualifications during this 60-day session because of a constitutional amendment approved by voters last November.

The bill passed by the Senate on a vote of 32-8 says PRC candidates would be eligible for the position if they are licensed as an engineer or a certified public accountant or a lawyer; or if they have five years experience in managing a business or organization related to what the PRC regulates; or if they have three years experience heading a division of state or local government responsible for utilities, transportation or construction.

Opponents of the legislation complained it was too restrictive and would disqualify some competent New Mexicans from serving.

The House already has passed its own qualifications bill. It’s significantly different from the Senate’s. Lawmakers have until March 16 to come up with a bill that both houses can agree on.