Bill > HB509

This bill establishes the Transparency in Government Contracting Act, which requires government agencies in New Mexico to provide detailed public access to contract information through online platforms. The bill defines key terms like "contract" (including procurement and grant agreements), "government agency" (spanning state and local entities), and establishes specific disclosure requirements. Government agencies must make contract solicitations, bids, and proposals publicly available within one week of solicitation, update web pages monthly with comprehensive contract details, and include contact information for their records custodian. The legislation mandates that agencies provide links to their transparency pages to the department of information technology and disclose emergency or sole-source contracts. If an agency knowingly violates these transparency requirements, the contract can be presumed invalid, and enforcement can be pursued by the attorney general, district attorney, or through individual court applications. The bill also amends the existing Sunshine Portal statute to include a directory of government agency website links, further enhancing public access to government contract and financial information. The act will become effective on July 1, 2025, giving agencies time to prepare for the new transparency requirements.