PREFILING FOR MEMBERS-ELECT

HR 4 allows newly elected New Mexico state representatives (members-elect) to submit bills for consideration before the legislative session begins. The bill amends House rules to let members-elect deposit legislation with the chief clerk between January 2 and the Friday before the session starts, with prefiled bills numbered starting at HB 10 or higher (reserving lower numbers for priority bills like appropriations). These prefiled bills must be publicly available and formally introduced within 72 hours of the session opening. This procedural change streamlines the start of the legislative process for incoming members.