NM Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee Votes Unanimously for Proposed Ethics Commission Bill

Bravo on this development! Yesterday, the members of the New Mexico Legislature's interim committee on Courts, Corrections and Justice endorsed a proposed bill that would create a State Ethics Commission. The unanimous vote by the Committee adopted a bill drafted by a bi-partisan subcommittee of legislators who have been working on this legislation over the last several months, according to a joint statement released by the NM House and NM Senate. 

The Committee is looking forward to introduction of the bill during the legislative session that begins in January, according to the Co-Chairs of the Committee, Senator Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe-25) and Representative Al Park (D-Bernalillo-26).

“The Committee’s action brings New Mexico one step closer to this much needed reform. We set aside partisan differences and worked together to create a fair process that can address specific ethics complaints and serve to educate state employees, legislators and state elected officials about what constitutes ethical behavior, said Senator Wirth.

“This is a critical step toward promoting ethics and integrity in state government,” said Representative Park.

Both legislators expressed the Committee’s thanks to the Attorney General, the Lieutenant Governor and Common Cause for their participation in the difficult process of putting the legislation together. Click for a copy of the proposed legislation (pdf).