New Mexico Increases Political Contribution Limits

The campaign contribution limits for candidates in New Mexico have been adjusted for the 2027-2028 election cycles. Effective January 1, 2027, the limit to candidates and committees by individuals, committees, corporations, and labor unions will increase from $6,200 to $6,600 per election. The limit to candidates for governor will increase from $12,400 to $13,200 per election, and the limit to a political party or legislative caucus committee will increase from $31,000 to $33,000 per election.

---

Make sure you understand pay-to-play regulations in your state. See all 50 states and nearly 300 jurisdictions in our online guidebooks. Check them out here. 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders advanced the date of the Senate District 18 special general election from January 5, 2027 to December 15, 2026. Primary elections are not necessary because only one candidate from each major party filed for nomination.

---

Stay up to date with all state and federal lobbying laws. Sign up for our online guidebooks and never miss a compliance law change. 

A special election has been scheduled for January 5, 2027, to fill the vacancy in Senate District 18 following the resignation of Sen. Jonathan Dismang, who stepped down to take a position with the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. The primary date is November 3, and a primary runoff has been scheduled for December 1. The eligible candidates will be finalized after October 1.

---

Want to keep up with lobbying, procurement, and corporate contribution compliance internationally? We have you covered. Learn more here.

Nonpartisan think tank Think New Mexico released a report on the state of the Legislature, recommending several reforms for the state’s legislative and election ethics laws. Among the suggestions were a two-year cooling off period for legislators looking to become paid lobbyists; increased lobbyist reporting with additional lobbyist compensation and position disclosures; and a requirement for out-of-state PACs to file the same disclosure reports as in-state PACs. These reforms and others are eligible to be taken up by state lawmakers when the 2027 session begins on January 19, 2027.

---

Comply with state and local procurement lobbying rules. Our online guidebooks make it easy to view regulations all in one place. Learn more here.

The city secretary of Houston, Texas launched an online portal for lobbyist registration and reporting, including the ability to make a payment for registration fees online. The new system is live and available at https://cityofhouston.ethicsefile.com/EfileLobby/login. Initially, all users will be new to the system and will have to create an account to access.

---

Make sure you understand pay-to-play regulations in your state. See all 50 states and nearly 300 jurisdictions in our online guidebooks. Check them out here. 

The Hawaii Supreme Court ordered a special election for House District 43 to take place on November 3 between the two Republican candidates whose August 8 primary election resulted in a tie. In the primary, two ballots had been mistakenly issued to voters from another district, and an improper tie-breaking procedure was used. The winner of the special election will win the seat.

---

Are you able to track all legislative sessions in the states you do business? We are! Let us show how easy it can be, request a demo of our online guidebooks today. 

Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 22 following the resignation of Sen. Brian Birdwell to take a position as an assistant U.S. secretary of defense.  The special election for the unexpired term will be held on November 3.

---

Are you able to track all legislative sessions in the states you do business? We are! Let us show how easy it can be, request a demo of our online guidebooks today. 

The Denver City Council has passed Bill 26-0686, significantly amending the city’s lobbying registration and disclosure requirements. Signed into law by Mayor Mike Johnston, the legislation expands the legal definition of lobbying, modifies registration deadlines, expands bi-monthly disclosure obligations, and increases administrative fees. Compliance officers, government relations professionals, and lobbyists operating in Denver must adapt to these legislative changes before they officially take effect on January 1, 2027.

Key Provisions of Denver Bill 26-0686

Bill 26-0686 introduces major structural updates to municipal ethics and transparency regulations. Government affairs teams should review the following key areas to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Regulation of Administrative Matter Lobbying

The legislation expressly brings administrative matter lobbying under official municipal regulation. Previously, Denver lobbying laws applied strictly to legislative matters. Under the new ordinance, lobbying communications regarding the following topics are regulated:

• Agency rules and regulations
• Land use and zoning decisions
• Mayoral activity on municipal bills and executive orders

Official procurement processes and standard marketing communications remain from these rules. However, this does not apply if a communication includes a specific request for action on a legislative or administrative matter.

Revised Registration Timelines and Expenditure Thresholds

Bill 26-0686 adjusts the timeline for initial registration. Current law requires lobbyists to register with the Denver City Clerk within five days of first engaging in lobbying activity. The new ordinance replaces that standard with updated criteria:

• Individual Lobbyists: Must register within 10 days of agreeing to lobby for compensation exceeding $1000 or after receiving more than $1,000 for lobbying services.
• Lobbying Entities: Must register within 10 days of compensating a lobbyist or employee more than $1,000 to conduct lobbying activities.
• Grassroots Organizations: Any person making grassroots lobbying expenditures exceeding $5,000 in a calendar year must complete lobbyist or lobbying entity registration within 10 days of crossing the threshold.

Expanded Bi-Monthly Disclosure Requirements

Reporting obligations for registered lobbyists and lobbying entities will expand under the new framework. Bi-monthly reports must now include disclosures regarding compensation received or paid for lobbying activities.

Additionally, filings must provide specific information regarding every legislative and administrative matter lobbied, including:

• Client name
• Covered official information
• A detailed description of the subject matter

Under previous standards, detailed matter disclosures were required only when reporting lobbying expenditures.

Fee Increases, Penalty Enhancements, and Ethics Restrictions

The updated law alters financial penalties, registration costs, and post-employment restrictions:

• Registration Fees: Fees for both individual lobbyists and lobbying entities will increase to $100. Previously, fees were set at $50 for individual lobbyists and $75 for entities.
• Reporting Violations: Penalties for late or improper reporting increase to $50 per day, capped at a maximum of $500.
• Non-Reporting Violations: May incur fines up to $999 per violation, in addition to potential administrative enforcement.
• Cooling-Off Period: Former elected officials and certain former covered officials are prohibited from engaging in lobbying for compensation for 12 months following the end of their term or employment.
• Mandatory Training: Registered lobbyists must complete required lobbyist training within 30 days of initial registration.

To review official municipal legislative records and council proceedings, visit the Denver City Council Legislative Portal.

Comparison Summary: Existing Law vs. Bill 26-0686

Provision Area	Existing Denver Law	New Law (Bill 26-0686)
Scope of Lobbying	Covers legislative matters only	Covers legislative and administrative matters
Registration Deadline	Within 5 days of first lobbying engagement	Within 10 days of
Lobbyist Registration Fee	$50	$100
Entity Registration Fee	$75	$100
Bi-Monthly Reporting	Detailed reporting required primarily for expenditures	Detailed reporting required for
Post-Employment Restriction		12-month lobbying ban for certain former covered officials
Lobbyist Training	Not specified	Mandatory within 30 days of registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do the new Denver lobbying requirements take effect?

Bill 26-0686 takes effect on January 1, 2027. Organizations and individual practitioners should prepare to adjust their tracking systems and compliance schedules prior to this date.

How does Bill 26-0686 change the definition of lobbying?

The ordinance expands the definition to include administrative matters such as executive orders, mayoral bill decisions, agency rulemaking, and land-use or zoning decisions. Official procurement and marketing communications are unless they include a direct request for action on a legislative or administrative issue.

What are the penalties for failing to file lobbying disclosures in Denver?

Violations related to reporting carry a $ 50-per-day fine, capped at $500.

What is the new revolving-door policy for former Denver officials?

Former elected officials and certain former covered are subject to a 12-month cooling-off period. They may not engage in compensated lobbying activities for one full year after leaving office or ending employment with the city.

Stay Ahead of Municipal Compliance

Navigating shifting compliance regulations across local, state, federal, and international jurisdictions requires up-to-date legal intelligence and proactive monitoring. To manage municipal lobbying compliance and stay informed on regulatory developments across North America, explore the compliance tools available at State and Federal Communications.

On August 4, the Wichita City Council will consider increasing the contribution limit to candidates for council from $500 per contributor per election to $2,000. Under state law, a candidate for local office whose jurisdiction has a population of 50,000 or more may not receive more than $2,000 per election per contributor, other than from party committees.  

---

Stay up to date with all state and federal lobbying laws. Sign up for our online guidebooks and never miss a compliance law change. 

The U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature met in special session on July 21 at the request of Gov. Bryan to consider Bill 36-0313, concerning a revised horse racing agreement between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Southland Gaming Virgin Islands LLC. After discussion, senators forwarded the bill to the Committee of the Whole for further review, which is next expected to be addressed at a meeting on August 19.

---

Are you able to track all legislative sessions in the states you do business? We are! Let us show how easy it can be, request a demo of our online guidebooks today. 

The gift limit for food, drink, and refreshments in Louisiana increased from $81 to $84. Lobbyists and non-lobbyists may now give a public servant or public employee any food, drink, or refreshment the total value of which does not exceed $84 for a single event. The $84 limit does not apply to gatherings held in conjunction with a meeting related to a national or regional organization, or to meetings of a statewide organization of governmental officials or employees. The limit is adjusted each year relative to the percentage increase in the consumer price index for the prior year.

---

Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called for a special session on July 21. Senators will consider a revised horse racing agreement between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Southland Gaming Virgin Islands LLC. Stakeholders in government and the horse racing industry produced the revised agreement during several meetings held to shape the future of the sport in the territory.

---

Are you able to track all legislative sessions in the states you do business? We are! Let us show how easy it can be, request a demo of our online guidebooks today. 

The city of Tempe, Arizona increased campaign contribution limits for the 2028 election cycle from individuals to candidates for mayor and City Council from $650 to $690 per contributor. From PACs, the limit increased from $1,300 to $1,370, and from mega PACs, the limit increased from $6,480 to $6,840. The limit on aggregate PAC and mega PAC contributions to a candidate increased from $12,970 to $13,700.

---

Make sure you understand pay-to-play regulations in your state. See all 50 states and nearly 300 jurisdictions in our online guidebooks. Check them out here. 

City Council passed Bill 26-0686, reforming the city’s lobbying code. The ordinance creates compensation thresholds for registration of lobbyists and lobbying entities; creates a grassroots expenditure registration threshold; and updates the registration window from five days to 10. The ordinance also requires disclosure of lobbyist clients; more clearly regulates administrative lobbying; and requires disclosure of legislative and administrative matters lobbied. Former elected and covered officials are prohibited from engaging in lobbying for compensation for 12 months following service. Lobbyists will now be required to fulfill a training requirement. Mayor Mike Johnston signed the ordinance on June 17, and it will take effect January 1, 2027.

---

Stay up to date with all state and federal lobbying laws. Sign up for our online guidebooks and never miss a compliance law change.