Co-sponsor Rep. Sarah Silva (D-Dona Ana & Otero)
STATE News:
SANTA FE — House Bill 143 (HB143), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Silva and Sen. Jeff Steinborn, both representing southern New Mexico, is moving forward to a Senate floor vote, marking a significant step toward enhancing transparency in lobbying activities.
HB143 requires lobbyists and their employers to disclose which bills they are working on, their position, and any changes in stance before the end of the legislative session. These reports will be publicly available on the Legislature’s website, providing the public with clear insight into the interests shaping the legislative process. HB143 does not restrict the expenditures or contributions of lobbyists, it just requires a report of their activities.
In every annual report since 2020, the State Ethics Commission has recommended amendments to the Lobbyist Regulation Act that require greater transparency in lobbying, including the disclosure concept at the heart of HB143. During a legislative hearing, Rep. Silva expanded on the importance of transparency, stating, “This is one more step in modernizing the legislature and giving both the public and legislators themselves a full picture of how government works. It will encourage civic participation and trust.”
HB143 in Context Each legislative session, millions of dollars are spent by lobbyists and their employers, including on meals, events, and advertising aimed at informing and engaging lawmakers and the public. In 2024 alone, lobbyists and their employers reported spending nearly $300,000 on such activities, while campaign contributions from lobbyists and their employers totaled $12 million over the past four years. 1 New Mexico ranks 41st in the nation for lobbying transparency, according to OpenSecrets—far behind neighboring Colorado (3rd) and Texas (8th). 2 Public demand for greater clarity is overwhelming, with 93% of New Mexico voters supporting stronger disclosure requirements. 3 As the session enters its final stretch, HB143 remains a key opportunity to provide clarity, accountability, and consistency in how lobbying is reported. With just one Senate vote and the House concurrence process remaining, the Legislature has the chance to enact meaningful reform that aligns with national best practices. For additional information, see (1) HB143: Lobbying Activity Reports.
About the State Ethics Commission
The State Ethics Commission is an independent, constitutional state agency with the authority to enforce civil violations of New Mexico’s governmental ethics and disclosure statutes, including the Lobbyist Regulation Act. The Commission is comprised of three Democratic Commissioners, three Republican Commissioners, and one independent Commissioner who is registered as “decline to state”.