Ethics commission proposal advances in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal to create an independent political ethics commission in New Mexico is headed to the Senate floor for a vote after winning a crucial committee endorsement. The Senate Rules committee on Wednesday endorsed a constitutional amendment to create a seven-member ethics commission with the authority to issue subpoenas and civil penalties. Full Senate approval would send the initiative to a statewide vote in November 2018. Last-minute revisions to the amendment removed transparency provisions that would have ensured complaints are made public once a response if filed. Last year, Rules Committee members voted down an ethics commission over concerns it would become a forum for false accusations. If voters approve the amendment, the Legislature would then decide whether complaints are made public and exactly how the commission is appointed.