By KRWG News
New Mexico – Former legislators and statewide elected officials couldn't work as lobbyists for a year after leaving office under a bill that's cleared the House.
The measure also will establish a one-year moratorium on lobbying for former executive branch cabinet department secretaries as well as former member of the Public Regulation Commission.
Violations of the lobbying restriction would be a misdemeanor.
The House approved the legislation on a 44-14 vote on Saturday. The proposal heads to the Senate for consideration.
Supporters of the proposal say it will eliminate an appearance of ethical impropriety for former elected officials if they wait before being paid to lobby agencies they once had influence over or administered.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.