February 14, 2019 •
NM Bill Setting Out New Ethics Commission’s Duties Introduced
In November, New Mexico voters approved a constitutional amendment to Article 5 of the state’s constitution.
Constitutional Amendment 2 creates an independent ethics commission with jurisdiction to investigate, adjudicate and issue advisory opinions concerning civil violations of laws governing ethics, standards of conduct and reporting requirements.
In order to be a functional commission, the Legislature must pass laws granting the commission all of its powers and duties.
As a result, state Rep. Daymon Ely introduced House Bill 4 setting out the new agency’s responsibilities.
The bill states the commission will have jurisdiction to investigate and adjudicate a complaint alleging a civil violation of the Lobbyist Regulation Act and the Campaign Reporting Act.
Additionally, the commission would have the authority to suspend a person from consideration for award of a contract if the person violates the Procurement Code.
If passed, sections 1 through 5, 7, and 37 of the bill will be effective July 1, 2019. The remaining sections will be effective January 1, 2020.
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