Senate and House Approved Campaign Reform HB 143 Lobbyist Transparency Bill

Legislation that would require greater transparency from lobbyists in the Roundhouse has passed the Senate and awaits a concurrence vote in the House before it can head to the governor.
On a vote of 22-15, the Senate approved House Bill 143 late Monday. In its original form local Otero County Representative John Block opposed more transparency in funding to New Mexico legislators, to be expected based on his known donors.

The legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. Sarah Silva, D-Las Cruces, would require lobbyists to disclose what legislation they are working to influence and identify the clients paying them to do that work.

That information would be shared in a report that would be available on the Legislature’s website alongside the relevant bill, just like fiscal impact reports and other documents that are currently posted there for the public. 

This basic transparency is not currently required in New Mexico, and was opposed by John Block which, according to OpenSecrets.org, trails most other states in lobbyist disclosure

HB143 would require a paid lobbyist to file a lobbyist activity report within 48 hours of trying to influence an issue or help writing a bill, or changing their position on a bill.

Disappointing many local constituents both Senators Townsend and Paul also opposed the measure for increased transparency in lobby money reaching state legislators.

“This wasn’t an easy bill to take on as a freshman, but I knew it was necessary because of my experience as an organizer and advocate living four hours from the Roundhouse,” Silva said. “I know how hard it is for New Mexicans to get a real and true account of what happens during their legislative sessions. This is one step in helping them do that.”

Silva thanked her co-sponsor, Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, who has been working to increase lobbyist transparency for years.

“Sen. Steinborn has been a tenacious advocate for transparency, and I’m honored to be working alongside him,” she said.

The Senate Rules Committee made a small change to the legislation, stripping an amendment that was added to the bill during the floor debate in the House. That’s why the House has to take one more vote to agree to the Senate version of the legislation.

The final House vote is expected imminently.
You can find House Bill 143 here: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legType=B&legNo=143&year=25

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