Wednesday, September 30, 2009

King Wants Ethics Reform in 2010 Session

Attorney General Gary King will be pushing for ethics reform in the next regular session of the Legislature.

A news release from King's office says the AG will once again push for a bill to create a state Ethics Commission. He also wants a whistleblower protection bill, an "anti-Pay-to-Play" contractor disclosure bill; and legislation to expand of the definition of "lobbying" to include matters being considered by the Executive Branch of state government.

Any bill other than financial bills in a 30-day session must be put on the governor's call. Gov. Bill Richardson, who has endorsed ethics bills in the past, hasn't said whether these will be on the call.

King plans to present his proposed legislation Thursday to the the Courts, Corrections and Justice Commitee, which is meeting in Las Cruces.