It looks like the House will consider expanding the state’s voluntary public financing system during the current session after all.
On Monday, state Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, introduced House Bill 564, which would expand the system to include statewide offices. The bill has been assigned to the Voters and Elections Committee and must also pass the Appropriations and Finance Committee before it can head to the House floor for a vote.
Progressives and ethics-reform proponents are lobbying hard for this bill, which was not originally included on the list of ethics-reform proposals legislative leaders would allow consideration on during the current session. Gov. Bill Richardson has approved the consideration of the expansion of the public financing system during the 30-day session that’s underway.
The state already has a voluntary public financing system for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Public Regulation Commission. Chasey’s bill would expand the system to include statewide offices such as governor and land commissioner.