Common Cause Supports First Amendment in Livestock Bill

SB 221, Report Livestock Injuries to Law Enforcement, Senator Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell. This would require a person who has made a video or digital recording depicting an injury to livestock to submit the recording to law enforcement within twenty-four hours. The requirement to provide any pertinent recording to law enforcement “could be construed by the courts as an unconstitutional prior restraint,” which refers to a limitation on free expression before such expression actually takes place. Common Cause New Mexico, along with several other groups opposed this legislation in the Senate Conservation Committee today which passed by a 6-4 vote. It will next be scheduled for a hearing in Senate Judiciary.   

Common Cause New Mexico in the News

From the Washington Times: New Mexico officials to oversee reform of campaign finances

Common Cause New Mexico, a state branch of a national organization that advocates government accountability, praised the idea of a task force. “This is something that we have advocated for many years,” said Viki Harrison, Common Cause New Mexico’s director.

Don’t forget to contact your Representative and ask them to support the bills listed below!

You can find your Representative here!

• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015:

HB 115, Independent Ethics Commission, Rep. Brian Egolf – Santa Fe, in the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

This bill would create an independent ethics commission which would investigate complaints of ethical violations by legislators and others who work for the state, as well as serving as a resource for officials to receive guidance on issues.

• Thursday Feb. 26, 2015:

HB 278 Campaign Finance Disclosure, Rep. James Smith – Albuquerque, in the House Safety and Civil Affairs Committee beginning at 1:30 p.m. 

This important bill requires public disclosure of information about the campaign spending of PACs and independent groups to disclose contributions and expenditures as the candidates and political parties are already required. It also adds definitions that are critical to improve transparency in our elections.