SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The House passed a bill that would allow voters to decide if the state would have more oversight in higher education around the state. House Joint Resolution 12 would give the state authority over disciplinary actions over regents who violate their duties to students and institutions.
The bill comes as concerns mount for a nearly $2 million settlement given to former Western New Mexico President Joe Shepard by the school’s regents after “wasteful spending” was found by the state’s auditor’s office. The bill passed the House with a 64-to-1 vote and now moves to the Senate.
If passed by both chambers, the proposal would appear on the November 2026 ballot.