New Mexico Constitution Article XIV - Public Institutions
New Mexico Constitution – Article XIV: Public Institutions
This article outlines the status and governance of public institutions in the state, especially those related to education and state support.
🔹 Summary of Article XIV – Public Institutions
This article primarily deals with the designation, purpose, and protection of public institutions established or supported by the state. These include institutions for higher education, healthcare, and other public services.
🔑 Key Features
Section 1: Permanent location
The permanent location of certain state institutions is set and cannot be changed except by:
A two-thirds vote of both houses of the legislature.
And a vote of the people via statewide election.
This includes major institutions like:
The University of New Mexico
The State Penitentiary
The Insane Asylum (historical terminology)
Schools for the Deaf and Blind
Other major public institutions
Section 2: Institutions to remain state institutions
Institutions established under this article must remain state institutions.
Their purposes cannot be changed unless:
Approved by a vote of the people in a general election.
Section 3: Control vested
Control and management of these institutions may be vested in boards of regents or other managing bodies as provided by law.
The legislature holds the authority to create or modify these boards.
📝 Purpose and Impact
Ensures stability and public oversight over major state institutions.
Protects institutions from arbitrary relocation or repurposing.
Embeds democratic control over significant institutional changes.
Reinforces the role of the legislature in setting up governance structures.
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