Opinion No. 54-5976
June 23, 1954
TO: Robert E. Fox, Chairman New Mexico Commission on Youth 201 Capitol Building Santa Fe, New Mexico
{*435} In your letter dated June 18, 1954, you refer to Chapter 106, Laws of 1953, creating the New Mexico Commission on Youth, and to Section 8 which provides for the submission of a report by the Commission on or before September 1, 1954. You inquire whether the unused appropriation must be spent prior to September, 1954 or whether the amount may be spent during the Fiscal Year 1954 and 1955 according to the budget that may be set up.
This chapter creates the Commission to be appointed by the Governor and serve at the Governor's pleasure. The members do not have any definite term of office. However, the submission of a report of its findings, recommendations and suggested legislation is merely one of the many duties imposed upon this Commission and there is nothing in the Act to indicate that the Commission is extinguished on the date the report is submitted.
It is, therefore, our opinion that this Commission is a continuing body and may spend its unused balance appropriated for that purpose during the biennium and will continue to function in the future after June 30, 1955, provided further funds are appropriated by the Legislature for that purpose.
By: C. C. Culloh
Assist. Attorney General