The "Transparency in Government Contracting Act" aims to enhance public access to information regarding government contracts in New Mexico. The bill establishes definitions for key terms such as "contract," "government agency," and "make available," and mandates that government agencies must publicly disclose solicitations for contracts within one week of their issuance. Agencies are required to maintain a dedicated web page that is regularly updated with information about contracts, including emergency or sole source contracts, and must provide contact information for the custodian of records. The act also clarifies that protected information, such as trade secrets, does not need to be disclosed.

Additionally, the bill outlines enforcement mechanisms, stating that contracts may be presumed invalid if the provisions of the act are knowingly violated. The attorney general or district attorney is responsible for enforcing the act, but individuals can also seek enforcement through the district court. The act further amends existing law to enhance the Sunshine Portal, ensuring it remains a user-friendly and accessible resource for the public, and includes a directory of links corresponding to each government agency as required by the new act. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 10-16D-3