The House Bill 8 MAP PASSED the House Judiciary Committee Dec. 8

SANTA FE— The new district map for the State House of Representatives, updated to reflect the cultural diversity and demographic realities of New Mexico today, is one step closer to being finalized after passing the House Judiciary Committee Dec. 8 with a 7-4 vote.

Sponsored by Rep. Daymon Ely, D-Corrales, the House Bill 8 map is based on the Citizen Redistricting Committee’s original maps, which all received “A” grades from independent experts. This map also incorporates an historic tribal consensus between New Mexico’s tribes, nations, and pueblos, reached after the CRC completed its work, and has been endorsed by the All Pueblo Council of Governors, the Navajo Nation, and the Jicarilla Apache Nation.

Resisting attempts by the House minority to discredit the work of the CRC and amend the bill that gives voice to these historically marginalized Native communities, House Bill 8 will be debated next on the House floor.

“This map achieves fairness at a historic level,” Ely said.” New Mexico has changed in the last ten years and the CRC captured those changes using non-partisan data and public testimony to draw maps that reflect the cultural and geographic diversity of our state.

“Along with a Native American consensus — the first ever in our state — what we have achieved should be celebrated.”

The Roundhouse is open to the public for this special session, and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter the building. Virtual public participation will also be available. Members of the public can 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.

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