Roundhouse Roundup
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Government ethics: The State Ethics Commission advocated Friday for the “swift passage” of a bill that would amend the Governmental Conduct Act, New Mexico’s primary statute on government ethics, conflicts of interest and corruption.
House Bill 8, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved for consideration during the session, would increase the maximum civil penalties for ethics violations, now set at $250, and regulate prohibited political activity by government officials and employees, similar to the federal Hatch Act.
“These amendments are essential updates that will maintain public trust in government and ensure the highest standards of integrity in government,” a news release states. “The New Mexico State Ethics Commission is committed to supporting these necessary reforms and calls for bipartisan support in the Legislature.”
Message making: During 30-day sessions, the focus is on drafting a state budget for the coming fiscal year. The governor must approve the introduction of any other proposed legislation to the agenda.
As of Friday, Lujan Grisham’s office had posted more than 50 messages approving requests to put bills on this year’s agenda. Several are related to crime and gun safety, initiatives she and some lawmakers are prioritizing this session.
Just because the governor approves a bill for consideration does not mean it will get a hearing or make it over the finish line before the session ends.
Visit governor.state.nm.us/about-the-governor/legislative-messages/ for a list of her messages.
A whisper to a scream: Friday was awfully quiet at the state Capitol, as just two committees met and many lawmakers no doubt headed home early to enjoy a three-day weekend before this year’s 30-day session picks up steam next week.
But come Monday, expect lawmakers to begin working their way through dozens of bills. As of Friday, a total of 315 pieces of legislation, including memorials and resolutions, had been filed, according to the Legislature’s website, nmlegis.gov. Lawmakers have until Jan. 31 to file bills.
Among the committee hearings scheduled Monday is an organizational meeting of the House Education Committee at 8:30 a.m.
The House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee will also meet at 8:30 a.m. and hear, among other initiatives, House Bill 67, which would allocate $6 million to tribal and rural health councils, and House Bill 111, which would appropriate $1.5 billion to build a wall along the Mexico-New Mexico border.
There will be other House and Senate meetings throughout the week.
Visit the legislative website and click on the “What’s Happening” link for an updated list. Note: committee hearings can be rescheduled or moved to a different room than planned, so check the list often.
Quote of the day: “It’s amazing how an election cycle will bring everyone to common ground sometimes.” —Rep. Jim Townsend, R-Artesia, talking about how Republican and Democratic lawmakers might be more likely to cooperate to address issues like crime during an election year.