SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission is asking the Legislative Council Service to weigh in on how recusals should be handled by the agency.
The request comes in the wake of a power plant case last year in which four of the commission's five members faced recusal challenges. The New Mexico Supreme Court eventually ruled the recusals weren't warranted.
Because the issue could arise again, the commission says a determination should be made regarding what circumstances would warrant recusal of a commissioner and how that member would be replaced in order for a case to continue.
In a resolution adopted this month, the commission acknowledges that legislation is needed for clarification. The Legislative Council Service is the legal research arm of the Legislature and helps to draft bills.