SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico’s campaign finance reporting system would get an overhaul under legislation being proposed by a House Republican.
Rep. Jim Smith of Sandia Park pre-filed the measure last week. He says the current system is outdated and that makes it difficult to track information.
His bill would require the Secretary of State’s Office to develop new hardware and software that would make the system easier to use and would provide more transparency. The changes would require public input.
Calls for reform were reignited last year in the wake of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran being prosecuted for using campaign donations to fuel a gambling addiction.
The 30-day legislative session begins Jan. 19. It’s unclear whether Gov. Susana Martinez will include any campaign finance or ethics reforms on the agenda.
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