Back in 1996 there was a House Joint Resolution that would change the Public Utility Commission (appointed by the Governor) to the Public Regulation Commission (elected positions). It appeared to be a simple piece of legislation but had huge implications and as such, it was assigned to 4 house committees. Anything over 2 committees is intended to be a death penalty for the bill. In a last minute deal it was blasted out of the committee process and passed and was subsequently voted into being that November.
The PRC was created with far too much power and it was highly technical. Unfortunately, the only qualification to run for PRC office was that you had to be 18 years old. The Commission struggled into existence as the resolution was interpreted by the rule makers. It combined the Public Utility Commission and the State Corporation Commission and brought in the Department of Insurance (which operates somewhat independently) and became the most powerful state Regulatory body in the US. Finding its ground took a few years and with the very different responsibilities from rate cases to appointing the state fire marshal the commission is compromised by not having commissioners specialized in the various areas of its charge.
The recent news stories about Jerome Block Jr., who was elected while under investigation for fraud, has only added to a history of controversies internal to the PRC. The ill-conceived body has suffered as a result and is an embarrassment to New Mexico. It is imperative that the legislature seriously reconsider the structure and responsibilities of the Commission and ask the voters to amend our constitution. Bringing the PRC a new life and respect will require a thorough remodel.