Committee approves fix to wildlife commission removal process to restore hearing rights
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Summary
Senate Bill 104 would revise the removal process for wildlife commissioners, providing notice, an opportunity to be heard, and direct appeal to the New Mexico Supreme Court; ranching, conservation and outfitting groups supported the change as completing reforms started in SB5.
Sponsor representatives told the committee SB 104 closes a gap left when the governor line-item vetoed removal‑protection language in last year's SB 5. The bill would permit the governor to remove a commissioner for cause but require notice and a hearing before the New Mexico Supreme Court, providing faster, direct review and avoiding district court backlog.
Tom Patterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, said the change restores accountability while preventing arbitrary removals that disrupt the commission. "SB 104 helps address the removal problem," he said. Saba Ijadi of Trout Unlimited and Carrie Romero of the New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides also testified in support, arguing the change helps insulate wildlife decisionmaking from political pressure while preserving public accountability.
Senator Wirth and other sponsors said the model mirrors procedures used for other constitutional bodies such as university regents and the interstate stream commission and pointed to rule and Supreme Court precedent for expedited handling of such appeals.
The committee recorded a 'do pass' recommendation after roll call and adjourned for the day.
