TRANSPARENCY IN GOV'T CONTRACTING ACT

HB 509, the "Transparency in Government Contracting Act," requires all New Mexico state agencies and local governments (including school districts and municipalities) to publicly post contract details online. It mandates that agencies make contract solicitations available within one week of issuance, maintain a searchable online database updated monthly, and include specific information like recipient names, contract purposes, and amounts (for contracts over $20,000). Violations could render contracts invalid, with enforcement handled by the attorney general or courts. The bill directly affects government agencies by requiring proactive disclosure of contract information to the public, aiming to increase accountability in public spending.