BORDER AUTHORITY & DIRECTOR REQUIREMENTS

HB 469 restructures the composition of New Mexico's Border Authority, expanding it from seven to nine members with specific representation requirements. The new structure includes two state department secretaries, three private-sector members with defined professional backgrounds (e.g., accounting, logistics, or economic development), and representatives from municipalities/counties near ports of entry. It also establishes professional qualification standards for the Executive Director position and amends definitions related to border development projects. The bill directly affects how the Border Authority governs infrastructure projects at ports of entry, including transportation systems, commercial facilities, and utility infrastructure.