CORRECTIONS

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SANTA FE — The New Mexico Supreme Court on Friday rejected a lawsuit filed by three House Republicans that challenged the chamber’s remote participation rules for the ongoing 60-day legislative session.

The state’s highest court did not provide a reason for its ruling, which came after it had asked House Speaker Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, and other top lawmakers to file a response to the court challenge.

Just days after this year’s session began, the Democratic-controlled House passed temporary rules that permit its 70 members to use online technology to debate and vote on bills — many from outside the Capitol — amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The rules were adopted on a largely party-line vote, though four Republicans joined Democrats in voting in favor of them — and one Democrat joined the remaining GOP legislators in voting in opposition.

In their lawsuit, the three GOP lawmakers argued the House rules violate the state Constitution. Specifically, they argued the Constitution requires that legislators be physically present in Santa Fe to debate and vote on bills.

But attorneys for Egolf and other top lawmakers argued in their response it is not the judicial branch’s job to resolve procedural disputes within the Legislature.