Ethics Reform Bill Limiting Gifts Passed Unanimously by NM House Committee

From NM House Democratic Leadership:
Yesterday the NM House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee passed HB 819cs — the Gift Act sponsored by Rep. Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque) — with a unanimous vote of 6 to 0. The Gift Act is part of the comprehensive ethics and campaign reform package that has been presented by House Democrats based on the recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Ethics Reform. 

Rep. Chasey said, “There is currently no law in New Mexico that regulates gifts to candidates, elected officials, or state employees. This bill will set the parameters of what is acceptable and legal for everyone, including lobbyists or companies doing business with the state and the recipient of the gifts.”

The Gift Act defines a gift as a donation or transfer of money, property, service, loan, or any other thing of value such as food, lodging, transportation, and tickets for entertainment or sporting events. The act restricts the value of a gift to no more than $250. Lobbyists or government contractors could not give more than $1,000 in gifts to an elected official or state employee in any one year.

The definition of a gift does not include the following: campaign contributions as defined under state and federal law, a gift from a close family member or friend, reasonable compensation for services, a loan from a traditional lender on terms that are available to all similarly qualified borrowers, or a retirement gift. It also does not include reasonable expenses for a bona fide educational program that is directly related to the state officer’s or employee’s official duties.

The act outlines those individuals or entities that would be considered “restricted donors.” Restricted donors would include those doing business with the state, professional groups or industries that would substantially benefit from the execution of the official duties of the recipient of the gift, or a registered lobbyist with the state.

Editor's Note: For more on the bills that comprise this year's ethics reform package, see our previous post. The bill will be heard next in the House Judiciary Committee. Click for contact info on its members. Please call or write to urge their support.