Bill > HB27

This bill amends existing law regarding prohibited acts for candidates, commissioners, and employees of the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) in New Mexico. It clarifies definitions for terms like "affiliated interest," "intervenor," "pecuniary interest," and "regulated entity," which refer to individuals or businesses that are regulated by the PRC or have a connection to them. The bill strengthens restrictions on what these individuals can accept from regulated entities, including prohibiting them from soliciting or accepting anything of value from such entities, with specific exceptions for minor refreshments or promotional items. It also prohibits commissioners and employees from having a financial stake in regulated entities or their affiliates and from soliciting employment for others with these entities. Crucially, the bill imposes new "revolving door" restrictions, preventing former commissioners, hearing examiners, utility division directors, general counsel, or attorney employees from being employed by regulated entities or their affiliates for two years after leaving the PRC, and former employees from appearing before the PRC for one year. It also prohibits former commissioners or employees from representing parties in matters they were personally and substantially involved in while at the PRC. Finally, the bill allows for civil penalties of up to $5,000 for violations of these provisions.