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A state task force is recommending that lawmakers hold a session dedicated to revamping New Mexico's ethics laws.

The Ethics Reform Task Force, appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson, this afternoon agreed the session should be held between now and April 1 of next year.

Panel members said lawmakers should have time to focus on reform, something they might not get during the 30-day 2008 session, which according to the state Constitution is to focus largely on budget matters.

Efforts at large scale ethics reform have failed in recent years. Calls for reform started again recently after former state treasurer Robert Vigil in January was sentenced to 37 months in prison after being convicted on one count of attempted extortion.

Matt Brix of the Center for Civic Policy in Albuquerque said the panel now will draft a list of specific proposals lawmakers should consider during the special session.

The next meeting of the group is Aug. 30.

He said the recommendation "acknowledges the need for ethics to be addressed and the need to let the executive and the Legislature decide on the timing."

Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said the governor "will consider the recommendation and consult with the legislative leadership on the possibility of a special session."