Joint Resolution would allow voters to decide whether to give the state greater oversight to improve accountability of regents and at higher education institutions

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, legislation that would allow voters to decide whether to strengthen oversight of regents at the state's higher education institutions passed the House Education Committee unanimously.

House Joint Resolution 12 would clearly detail regents' responsibilities to the students and institutions they serve and provide the state with authority to take disciplinary actions, including potential removal, of regents who violate their duties.

"The people of New Mexico must be able to trust that the leaders of our state's colleges and universities are acting in good faith and in service of the students, faculty, staff, and the taxpayers who help fund these institutions," said lead sponsor Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces). "By holding regents accountable for ethically fulfilling their duties, we can ensure public funds are spent properly, maintain the integrity of these institutions, and strengthen public trust in our higher education systems."

HJR 12 also includes strong guardrails to ensure the state's disciplinary authority is not misused for political purposes. Removal actions may only be filed by the state's Attorney General or a majority of the fellow members of the institution's board of regents and would be under the jurisdiction of district courts.

The introduction of HJR 12 follows broad concern from lawmakers and the public around the $1.9 million separation agreement given to former Western New Mexico University President Joe Shepard by the university's regents. This exorbitant payout came on the heels of Shepard resigning after the State Auditor's Office found that he had engaged in wasteful spending and improper use of public funds.

HJR 12 now moves to the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee. If passed by both chambers of the legislature, the proposed Constitutional Amendment would then be on the ballot in the November 2026 election. The legislation is also sponsored by Reps. Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces), Anita Gonzales (D-Las Vegas), and House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque).

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2025 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.