Thank You to the House Judiciary Committee For Supporting Common Cause Issues Today!

HB 151, Primary Voting for 17 year olds, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Steinborn – Las Cruces, passed its final House committee today with Common Cause NM’s Viki Harrison and Heather Ferguson at the table to assist in answering questions posed by committee members.  

This bill promotes democracy for our future by encouraging young people to vote.  Over the past decade, pre-registration has steadily emerged as an election reform across the U.S. and encouraging people of all ages to register to vote and participate in their government is crucial to the continued viability of our democracy.  Next, it goes to the House floor for a full vote. This bill has already passed the House in years past, and we are hopeful to repeat history once again!

HB 205, Public Campaign Financing, Rep. Miguel Garcia – Albuquerque, also passed the House Judiciary Committee today.  This bill, which mirrors SB 289, sponsored by Senator Peter Wirth – Santa Fe, also expands the state’s public financing program to include the State Legislature. Today’s debate included many thoughtful and productive questions by the committee members, and the bill is now off to the House Appropriations Committee.

Please contact your Representative and ask them to support the bills listed below!

If you do not know the name of your Representative, please look them up here.

Thursday, Feb. 19, 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.

Friday, Feb. 20, 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.