Lobbyists in New Mexico
Is Campaign Finance Important to Lobbyists?
Series 4 – Lobbyists in New Mexico
By Greg Gallegos I January 11, 2021
Lobbyist Reporting ACT
Lobbyist Regulation Chapter 2 Article 11 of NMSA 1978 encompass sections 2-11-1 through 2-11-10 NMSA, also known as the “Lobbyist Regulation Act”. You can find the link to download the Election Handbook of the State of New Mexico, 2021 edition at https://www.sos.state.nm.us/candidate-and-campaigns/how-to-become-a-candidate/nm-election-handbook/. The Lobbyist Module in the NM Campaign Finance Information System is a method of tracking Lobbyists’ expenditures and political contributions, and the NM Secretary of States office facilitates this process utilizing a web-based Campaign Finance Information system (CFIS) that was released July 2020.
When do lobbyist Register in CFIS?
Typically lobbyists will register with the NM state CFIS system before the regular legislative session in January, and this is the common practice. Although you may register at any time during lobbyist registration year as long it is before the lobbyist starts the act of lobbying in the state of New Mexico.
Definition of lobbying as per 2-11-2(D) NMSA 1987
“D. “lobbying” means attempting to influence:
(1) a decision related to any matter to be considered or being considered by the legislative
branch of state government or any legislative committee or any legislative matter requiring action by the governor or awaiting action by the governor; or
(2) an official action;
All compensated lobbyists will have to pay a registration fee of $50 per lobbyist employer or principal. The state of NM considered a compensated lobbyist a lobbyist who is paid to be a lobbyist or an employee of a company who lobbies for that company while getting paid.
A lobbyist who is lobbying without compensation, a volunteer lobbyist, does not have to pay a registration fee.
Need help with your Lobbyist Registration, Renewal, or Reports
KGH Strategies Can Help
When does a lobbyist Renew their Registration in CFIS?
The NM SOS will typically open the registration renewal process in December for the following year. All registered lobbyists will have to choose whether or not they renew or not renewing the registration for currently registered lobbyists.
When do lobbyists file reports?
Compensated Lobbyist
There will be three (3) Scheduled reports due in a year, May, October, and January report. There will be a 48-hour report due for any expenditure made of $500 or more during any type of legislative session.
2022 Lobbyist Report Dates
| Report Name | Period Start | Period End | Report Due |
| May Lobbyist Report | 01/01/2022 | 05/02/2022 | 05/04/2022 |
| October Lobbyist Report | 05/03/2022 | 10/03/2022 | 10/05/2022 |
January Lobbyist Report | 10/05/2021 | 12/31/2022 | 01/15/2023 |
| 48-Hour Report | Start of Session | End of session | Within 48 hours |
Note: a $50/day late fee will be asses for reports that are filed late
Non-Compensated Lobbyist
Will only have to file reports if they make expenditures that fall in the Lobbyist Reporting Act, or change to a compensated lobbyist.
When can a lobbyist Inactivate or Close the CFIS Account?
A Lobbyist registration will become inactive on December 31 of the registration year, unless they renew their lobbyist registration.
Can a Lobbyist Terminate an Employer?
A lobbyist can terminate their employers in the CFIS system anytime during the registration year but will be required to file reports for the reporting period the termination was applied.
What are the Political Contribution Limits?
2022 Election Cycle
| OFFICE | Primary | General | Total |
| All offices except Governor | $5,200 | $5,200 | $10,400 |
| Governor | $10,400 | $10,400 | $20,800 |
| Legislative Caucus Committees | $26,000 | $26,000 | $52,000 |
| Independent Expenditure Committees | No limit | ||
| Coordinated and Contribution | $5,200 | $5,200 | $10,400 |
Additionally
There are many more rules on usage of expenditure types, political contributions, other contributions, late filings fines, penalties to include civil and criminal penalties. The new CFIS system clearly indicates a lobbyist that is not compliant and lists all late reports and fines due. Well, it seems the CFIS application is in constant development, there seems to be the wish for more transparency and higher standards for accountability. This can be overwhelming when lobbying and KGH Strategies can help.
Political Landscape
The political compliance landscape in New Mexico is changing following significant law changes in the past few years. In addition, the New Mexico State Ethics Commission was established and is now in operation. If your business works with government officials in the legislative and executive branches of government, then our job is to help you comply with state laws.
Whether for a corporation, nonprofit organization, advocacy group, other entities, or individuals – We can help you maneuver through a maze of compliance requirements and see how laws apply to your business so you can keep doing what you do best.
We will be continuing the next series with Lobbyist Employers.
