With 10 hours left in the 2007 legislative session, most ethics reform proposals are in danger of dying.
With the exception of House Bill 823, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, the package of ethics reform bills remains in limbo. Cervantes’ bill, which would make amendments to the Governmental Conduct Act, was approved by the Legislature Friday.
Sources tell me the Senate isn’t likely to touch House bills that have been on its calendar all week. They would place limits on gifts and campaign contributions. The Senate versions of those bills aren’t yet on the calendar in the House.
All other ethics reform proposals appear to be dead.
As for the gift bills: Senate Bill 931, sponsored by John Grubesic, D-Santa Fe, and House Bill 819, sponsored by Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, have passed their own chambers but are awaiting approval in the other.
And campaign contributions limits: The Senate has approved Senate Bill 800, sponsored by Sen. Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque, which places limits on campaign contributions to candidates for offices and political action committees. The House has approved House Bill 821, sponsored by Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, which only applies to contributions to candidates, so there’s a difference between the two bills that must be reconciled.
The most likely scenario, I’m told, is that the House will approve the Senate bills, but will amend Feldman’s bill so that it only applies to contributions to candidates. The Senate would then have to concur. Though the House is still working, it plans to adjourn soon. The Senate has already quit for the night, and won’t reconvene until 8 a.m.
The session ends at noon.