SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Lawmakers in New Mexico are considering amending the state’s rules against government-employee misconduct. A bill to increase potential penalties is moving forward at the Roundhouse.
House Bill 8 , sponsored by four Democratic lawmakers, would increase the maximum penalty for New Mexico government workers who are found to have abused their position. Currently, New Mexico law allows courts to impose a $250 penalty for each violation of the law, with a cap of $5,000 in total penalties. This bill would raise that to a max of $10,000.
Santa Fe local must pay back over $230,000 after embezzlement plea
Jeremy Farris, the director of the State Ethics Commission, supported the bill in front of the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday, January 24. “It’s a statute that we live every day,” Farris said.
The bill also specifies prohibited conduct, including prohibiting government workers from engaging in political acts while on duty, in office, or while wearing their uniform. The bill includes an exception to this for law enforcement agents working to protect elected officials.