The 55th New Mexico Legislature is set to adjourn sine die March 20.

During the session, several bills were introduced relating to lobbying and campaign finance.

Two key bills related to lobbying and the legislative session are advancing through the Legislature.

House Joint Resolution 13, relating to the legislative session, proposes to change the date each regular session of the Legislature begins and seeks to remove the restrictions on bills that may be considered in even-numbered years and the date laws would go into effect after adjournment sine die.

Under the bill, the legislative session would convene on the third Tuesday of February rather than January and would remain in session no longer than 45 days instead of thirty.

Additionally, bills would go into effect 75 days rather than 90 days after adjournment of the session.

If passed, House Joint Resolution 13 would be submitted to voters for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

Separately, House Bill 244, relating to ethics commission responsibilities for campaign reporting and lobbyist regulations, provides the ethics commission, in consultation with the secretary of state, must issue advisory opinions when requested.

The bill designates the ethics commission, rather than the secretary of state, to receive any complaints regarding a violation of the Campaign Reporting Act.

Under the bill, the secretary of state may promulgate rules to implement the provisions of the Lobbyist Regulation Act.

If passed, House Bill 244 would become effective July 1, 2021.

Legislation not acted upon by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will be pocket vetoed on April 9, meaning passed bills will become law without her signature.