The bill amends the Lobbyist Regulation Act to provide clearer definitions and expand expenditure reporting requirements for lobbyists in New Mexico. New definitions are introduced, including "beneficial client," "beneficiary," "contractual client," and "payee," which clarify the roles and relationships involved in lobbying activities. Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "expenditure" to specify what is included and excluded, and it introduces a new definition for "legislation" to encompass various legislative actions. The bill also updates the definition of "lobbyist" to include individuals compensated for lobbying and those designated by interest groups, while excluding certain officials and employees acting in their official capacities.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the reporting requirements for lobbyists and their employers regarding expenditures and political contributions. It mandates that lobbyists file detailed expenditure reports electronically, including information about the date, payee, beneficiary, and purpose of each expenditure, as well as any political contributions made. The threshold for reporting individual expenditures is lowered from $100 to $50, and the bill specifies that lobbyists must maintain records for two years to substantiate their financial statements. Additionally, organizations that spend over $2,500 on lobbying-related advertising must register with the secretary of state and report their activities. Overall, the bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in lobbying practices in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 2-11-2, 2-11-6