Committee backs bill allowing certain retired law enforcement officers to return to livestock board posts

The Health and Public Affairs Committee recommended passage of House Bill 336, which extends earlier return-to-work rules for retired law enforcement officers to agents employed by the New Mexico Livestock Board.

Representative Martinez introduced the bill and said it was intended to correct an omission from last year’s return-to-work law for law enforcement. He said the measure would allow retired officers to return as mentors or supervisors for younger officers at specialized agencies.

Sean Davis of the New Mexico Livestock Board told the committee the board employs 33 investigators and law enforcement officers statewide and currently has three vacancies; two of those vacancies could be filled under the bill if it becomes law. Davis said the board would not create new positions through the measure but would use the ability to hire retired, certified officers to fill existing budgeted vacancies.

Committee members asked about certification, training and the required gap between retirement and rehiring. Davis said retirees must be retired for at least 12 months and must maintain their law-enforcement certification to be eligible to return; agencies would provide orientation or limited training as needed.

A motion for a do-pass recommendation carried by a recorded vote noted in the transcript as "By a vote of 7–2 with 3 excused," giving the bill a committee recommendation to advance.

The bill will move to the full chamber for further consideration; committee testimony indicated it is intended to address workforce shortages in a specialized, state-level law enforcement agency rather than to create additional positions.

Provenance: topic began with the representative's introduction of House Bill 336 and concluded with the committee roll call recorded in the hearing.