Bill > HB241

This bill establishes a two-year "cooling-off period" for certain former public officials, preventing them from immediately working as lobbyists after leaving their positions. Specifically, former statewide elected officials, public regulation commissioners, state legislators, and cabinet secretaries are prohibited from accepting payment as a lobbyist for two calendar years following their service in those roles. This restriction also applies to lobbyists' employers, who are forbidden from hiring these former officials as lobbyists during that same two-year period. Violating these provisions would be considered a misdemeanor, punishable by penalties outlined in New Mexico law. The bill's provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2015, and apply to individuals holding these offices on or after that date.