The bill amends the Charitable Solicitations Act in New Mexico to strengthen the regulatory framework governing professional fundraisers and third-party solicitors. Key provisions require these entities to register with the attorney general prior to contracting with charitable organizations, pay a registration fee, and provide detailed operational and personnel information. The legislation also enforces stricter definitions and requirements for solicitation practices, emphasizing transparency in financial arrangements and prohibiting deceptive fundraising methods. Additionally, it mandates that collection receptacles display specific information about the charitable organization and the fundraiser, while establishing penalties for non-compliance, including late fees and administrative penalties.

Moreover, the bill revises the demands for information related to investigations under the Charitable Solicitations Act, stipulating that each demand must outline the investigation's general subject matter, describe the requested information, and specify a compliance timeframe of no less than ten days. It prohibits unreasonable demands and the requirement of privileged information, except under certain conditions. The bill also empowers the attorney general to mandate financial audits by independent certified public accountants for relevant entities and clarifies the process for serving demands and inspecting documentary materials. It establishes civil penalties for violations of the Act while ensuring that these provisions do not apply to criminal prosecutions.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 57-22-2, 57-22-3, 57-22-6.1, 57-22-6.3, 57-22-6.4, 57-22-9.1