Campaign Reporting Bill Advances, Ethics Amendment to be Heard Tomorrow!

HB 105 Campaign Reporting System Reform bill passes committee unanimously!

On Monday, February 1, 2016, HB 105 sponsored by Rep. James Smith (R-Sandia Park) and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Abq), passed the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs by unanimous vote!  

This bill will improve the current campaign reporting system with additional standardization of the website, including drop-down boxes with prefilled candidate, legislator, and/or PAC names.  Additionally, this bill adds requirements for the system to have “cross-checking and compliance features” to help clear out duplicate or missing data from reports submitted.  It also requires more detail in lobbyist disclosure and spending reports.

Our thanks to our terrific bill sponsors and to all of the groups who showed their support for democracy today:

• Interfaith Worker Justice – NM
• League of Women Voters
• NM Foundation for Open Government

Here is the report by KOB 4 highlighting the recent work of our Secretary of State’s office with Kari Fresquez to meet the requirements of this important bill, as well as upcoming Senate support.

And an additional story by KOB 4 on the background leading up to this legislation, and the issues KOB 4 and our own Viki Harrison uncovered earlier this year.

HJR 5 Independent Ethics Commission

Now is the time for New Mexico to create a carefully considered independent ethics commission, which will help rebuild the broken trust between citizens and our officials.

HJR 5 Sponsored by Rep. Jim Dines (R-Abq) will help begin the path to restoring the public’s trust and will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at 1:30 p.m.

Contact members of this committee!

Please let your Representatives know that you want their support for ethics, transparency and accountability this year!