The secretary of finance and administration may, when he determines that efficiency or economy so requires, authorize state agencies to issue warrants and except state agencies from the requirement of prior submission of proposed vouchers, purchase orders or contracts to the financial control division as provided in Section 6-5-3 NMSA 1978. The authorization or exception shall be made annually by the order of the secretary in writing. The order shall state the extent of the authorization or exception and the reasons therefore [therefor]. The department of finance and administration shall promulgate rules providing conditions for agencies to meet before obtaining an authorization or exception pursuant to this section. The department shall annually report to the legislative finance committee on the authorizations and exceptions granted.

History: 1953 Comp., § 11-2-71, enacted by Laws 1957, ch. 252, § 15; 1977, ch. 247, § 121; 2003, ch. 273, § 6.

Bracketed material. — The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law.

The 2003 amendment, effective July 1, 2003, substituted "Section 6-5-3 NMSA 1978. The" for "Section 11-2-65 NMSA 1953. Such" following "as provided in", inserted "annually" following "shall be made", and added the last two sentences.

State highway engineer may sign warrants for highway department. — The director (now secretary) of the department of finance and administration has the authority under this section to authorize the chief highway engineer (now state highway engineer) to sign warrants issued by the highway department. 1963 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 63-60.

Written order should include a specification for surety bonds. 1963 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 63-60.