The "Transparency in Government Contracting Act" aims to enhance public access to information regarding government contracts in New Mexico. The bill mandates that government agencies make available solicitations for contracts within one week of their issuance and maintain a dedicated web page that is regularly updated with relevant information about contractual activities. This includes providing contact information for the custodian of records and ensuring that any emergency or sole source contracts are also disclosed. The act emphasizes that protected information, such as trade secrets, does not need to be disclosed.

Additionally, the bill establishes 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 also amends existing laws to enhance the Sunshine Portal, which will now include a directory of links corresponding to each government agency as required by the new act, thereby further promoting transparency and accountability in government operations. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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