NM Attorney General gives free training in Las Cruces on public records, open meetings acts

Members of the public gathered Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces for free training about New Mexico’s Public Records Act and Open Meetings Act.

The Office of the Attorney General is providing the sessions throughout New Mexico.

Attorney General Hector Balderas attended Thursday’s event. Members of the public and city officials gathered to learn and ask questions about requesting information or responding to requests for information within public entities. The goal of the session is to encourage citizens to improve accountability and transparency in government. Balderas says he wants to make sure local governments are compliant with state law and that citizens know the laws too.

“A common misconception is that the government somehow can keep information from the general public. That is not true. Governments in New Mexico need to provide adequate information and they have to provide it in a timely manner,” Balderas said.

The next training session will be next month in Alamagordo.

Read more about New Mexico’s “sunshine laws” below. Information is from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.

Open Meetings Act
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) is a state law, which provides the statutory guidelines for conducting public meetings. The Attorney General has the statutory authority to enforce OMA and to ensure that those public meetings covered by OMA are in compliance with state law. In order to assist the public and those that are covered by OMA we have a full printable copy of our OMA Compliance Guide online.

Complaints about possible violations, or questions pertaining to OMA should be referred to the Open Government Division. The Division enforces the Act by investigating and responding to written complaints from citizens. They can be reached at (505) 827-6070.

Inspection of Public Records Act

The Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) is a New Mexico state law that provides the public and media access to public information. The law requires open access to almost all public records in state and local government, with few exceptions. Under IPRA, the public has the right to take legal action if they are denied access to public records, an important mechanism to empower the public.

The Attorney General has the statutory authority to enforce IPRA, as do district attorneys. A printable copy of our IPRA Compliance Guide is available online. If you have any questions pertaining to IPRA, you may contact the Open Government Division for further information at (505) 827-6070.