Tim Eichenberg
Certain lawmakers and the attorney general have been working for years to try to pass a bill that would apply the provisions in the Governmental Conduct Act to local government officials.
The bill has finally made it to the desk of the governor.
Senate Bill 432, sponsored by Sen. Tim Eichenberg, D-Albuquerque, would expand the law governing the ethical conduct of public officials to include those from cities, counties and other local governments. It current applies only to state officials.
Attorney General Gary King was quoted by the Albuquerque Journal as being pleased that the Legislature has approved the bill.
“Since my first day as attorney general in 2007, I have proposed that this amendment to the Governmental Conduct Act would be one of the strongest tools to fight corruption in New Mexico,” King was quoted as saying. “I am deeply appreciative to our Legislature and I enthusiastically urge the governor to sign this bill.”
The bill is probably the most high-profile piece of ethics reform to pass the Legislature so far this year.