A. The state ethics commission may investigate suspected violations of the Governmental Conduct Act and forward its findings and evidence to the attorney general, district attorney or appropriate state agency or legislative body for enforcement. If a suspected violation involves the office of the state ethics commission, the attorney general may enforce that act. If a suspected violation involves the office of the attorney general, a district attorney may enforce that act.

B. Violation of the provisions of the Governmental Conduct Act by any legislator is grounds for discipline by the appropriate legislative body.

C. If the state ethics commission determines that there is sufficient cause to file a complaint to remove from office a public officer removable only by impeachment, the commission shall refer the matter to the house of representatives of the legislature. If within thirty days after the referral the house of representatives has neither formally declared that the charges contained in the complaint are not substantial nor instituted hearings on the complaint, the state ethics commission shall make public the nature of the charges but shall make clear that the merits of the charges have never been determined. Days during which the legislature is not in session shall not be included in determining the thirty-day period.

D. Violation of the provisions of the Governmental Conduct Act by any public officer or employee, other than those covered by Subsection C of this section, is grounds for discipline, including dismissal, demotion or suspension. Complaints against executive branch employees may be filed with the agency head and reviewed pursuant to the procedures provided in the Personnel Act. Complaints against legislative branch employees may be filed with and reviewed pursuant to procedures adopted by the New Mexico legislative council. Complaints against judicial branch employees may be filed and reviewed pursuant to the procedures provided in the judicial personnel rules. Complaints against employees subject to the State Ethics Commission Act [N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 10, Article 16G] may also be filed with the state ethics commission, which shall determine whether to forward a complaint to the appropriate state agency or investigate the complaint on its own.

E. Subject to the provisions of this section, the provisions of the Governmental Conduct Act may be enforced by the state ethics commission. Except as regards legislators, state employees or statewide elected officials, a district attorney in the county where a person who allegedly violated the provisions resides or where an alleged violation occurred may also enforce that act. Enforcement actions may include seeking civil injunctive or other appropriate orders.