The 67th Senate of the Associated Students of New Mexico State University convened for their second meeting of the Fall 2023 semester on Aug. 30, 2023. Beginning with a fresh start, the senate is ready to set regulations to avoid going over available semestral funds, while still representing the students of NMSU.
“The [senate’s] approach to effectively implementing memorandums and precedents to prevent a financial crisis is a responsible measure,” said Sen. Anayancy Campos. “We want the senate chambers to be a safe and comfortable place for all senators to freely speak their minds and that is something I saw at this meeting.”
New senators, parliamentarian
The senate meeting kicked off by welcoming four new senators. Sens. Isabelle Diaz, Regina Rodella, Jackson Williams and Jawaher Banihani were all sworn in to serve on the senate. When moving to appoint the new parliamentarian, Williams and Sen. Elida Miller were nominated for the position.
“The position of parliamentarian is to discuss all questions regarding Robert’s Rules of Order,” Vice President Eddie Gallegos said. “While the bylaws supersede Robert’s Rules of Order, we need a decorum and if there are any questions regarding motions on the floor or motions to be made, the parliamentarian would answer those questions.”
Once the nominees accepted their nominations, Gallegos called for both candidates to showcase their merits for the position. After both candidates presented their speeches, the senate elected Williams as the new parliamentarian for his credentials of practicing Roberts’s Rules of Order for almost a decade.
“I believe my colleagues nominated and appointed me to the position is due to my skill sets and professional attitude,” Williams said. “The role is vital to the functioning of the senate’s traditional procedures, as Robert’s Rules of Order ensures all opinions have an equal opportunity to be voiced on behalf of their constituents. Furthermore, the rules protect the legality and integrity of the legislative process in maintaining the public’s confidence in the senate itself. My job is to help ensure these invaluable procedures are followed to keep the legitimacy of the senate intact.”
Senate passes all bills, except one
A total of 10 bills were proposed at the meeting. While there was slight controversy over some of the bills, the floor did not hesitate in passing nine. However, senators became reluctant when Bill 19 was brought to the table.
Bill 19, sponsored by Sen. Alex Duran, asked for an appropriation to the account of Friends of Doctors Without Borders to provide funding for a group of seven students planning to conduct humanitarian service in Lima, Peru from Nov. 19 through Nov. 25, 2023.
The bill originally requested $5,600 for the airfare, registration and program fees. This bill raised concerns with senators regarding the accuracy of the bill due to outdated information. During the meeting, the number of students was adjusted to only four students, which decreased the request to $3,200.
The change in funding was not the only issue, some of the documentation that was supposed to be sent in with Bill 19, was mistakenly sent in with Bill 42, a similar bill. This documentation issue and change of information led to Bill 19 being deemed illegal.
While the amount was reduced, there was still confusion about the legality of the bill. A heavy debate took the floor when Victoria Sandoval, president pro tempore, voiced her opinion.
“If we’re confused, why not just refer it back to Credentials and Archives, especially since it doesn’t happen until November,” Sandoval said. “That way, we have more time to look into it. We are not the previous senate; we do not have to run off of their prerogative. This is a new setting, and it is our choice with how we choose to run it.”
Campos and other senators agreed with Sandoval, which concluded in Bill 19 not passing and becoming tabled. While this disappointed Duran, he feels the senate needs to be a collective and be cautious in determining rulings.
“It is never fun when your bill doesn’t pass, but it is totally up to the senate,” Duran said. “Bill 19 is still tabled, so we will be proceeding with Bill 42 for the same purpose. The senate is in a growing period. Everyone needs to be logistical about the decisions they are making, realizing we’re here for the students of NMSU and to speak for the constituents we’re representing.”
Sandoval said she is content with the new senate and explained there will always be arguments but that is the purpose of discussion.
“There is always something new that comes up. We do set precedents, which will help in the future, but things do come up and we will just do what we do best, we talk about it,” Sandoval said. “You know we fight with each other, we argue, because we are all fighting on behalf of the students we represent. Overall, it went well, and I think it’s just going to get better.”
