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Inspection of Public Records

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Public Information Records Requests

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 New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department processes all public information requests under the Inspection of Public Records Act in a timely fashion as prescribed by law. Even where there is no statute, a common law right to inspect and copy public records affords members of the public the opportunity to keep a watchful eye on government.

NMRLD Response to Request

The records custodian must permit inspection immediately or as soon as practicable, but no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the records custodian receives the inspection request. If inspection is not permitted within three (3) business days, the person making the request will receive a written response explaining when the records will be available for inspection or when the public body will respond to the request. If any of the records sought are not available for public inspection, the person making the request is entitled to a written response from the records custodian explaining the reasons inspection has been denied. The written denial shall be delivered or mailed within fifteen (15) calendar days after the records custodian received the request for inspection. If the records requested are extensive, the requestor may receive a burdensome letter extending the deadline for the request. Records may also be available for inspection at the NMRLD office at 2500 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe.

Heather Sanchez Martinez, ​Chief Records Custodian
Post Office Box 25101
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
(505) 476-4655

REQUEST TO INSPECT PUBLIC RECORDS

MM slash DD slash YYYY

REQUESTOR INFORMATION (please print)

Name:
Address:
Please check the appropriate box and be as specific as possible on documents:
I am requesting to:
I would like to receive the requested documents via:

If our Department does not maintain these public records, you will be notified in writing which Department maintains the records you are interested in. Copies are $0.25 per page and payment is due prior to receipt of documents. All Inspection of Public Records Requests are processed pursuant to the Inspection of Public Records Act, §14.2.1 NMSA 1978. The Regulation and Licensing Department charges a copy fee for all requested documents. You will be notified of the fee for your requested documents. Payment must be received prior to the disclosure of documents. It is a felony to tamper with, destroy, conceal, mutilate or remove public documents (§30-26-1, NMSA 1978).

Downloadable Compliance Guides

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Inspection of Public Records Acts
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Inspection of Public Records Acts Compliance Guide

This guide is aimed to inform the public, state and local government agencies, and all other public bodies subject to the Act about the Act’s requirements and application.

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RLD Notice of Right to Inspect Records

By law, under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), §14-2-1 NMSA 1978 et seq, every person has the right to inspect public records. The procedures outlined below are specific to requests pertaining to records in possession of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD).

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IPRA Checklist

The IPRA Checklist provides important details about the Inspection of Public Records Act to help local governments, members of government boards and commissions, and the general public understand New Mexico’ open government laws.

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Link to Office of the Attorney General - OMAIPRA (NM Sunshine Laws)
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Financial Disclosure Information

(Courtesy of the Secretary of State’s Website)

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