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 below:

 IPRA Complaints

Complaints about possible violations, or questions pertaining to IPRA 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) 490-4060.

Monthly Trainings

The Office of the New Mexico Attorney General regularly conducts educational presentations on these “Sunshine Laws” throughout the state.

The purpose of the presentation is to educate and assist New Mexicans regarding the importance of transparency and compliance, as well as the rights of the public under New Mexico’s Sunshine Laws, the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). These events are open to all interested members and staff of state and local governments, school boards, commissions, media, and the general public. The first 90 minutes of each presentation addresses OMA followed by IPRA, and individuals can attend either or both trainings.

Upcoming Training Sessions

Though the trainings are offered at NO CHARGE, we do ask that you RSVP to Heather Sandoval at roadshows@nmag.gov or by telephone at (505) 717-3581. We look forward to your attendance. Please extend this invitation to others who may benefit from learning and understanding New Mexico’s Sunshine Laws.

Public Records Inspection Request

The Inspection of Public Records Act is intended to provide the public with access to information governmental affairs. The law requires public access to virtually all public records with a few exceptions most records are available for public inspection. Each state agency and local governmental entities have designated a records custodian to whom requests to inspect records should be addressed.

To request to inspect records from the Office of the Attorney General:

 The New Mexico Office of the Attorney General accepts records requests via mail, fax, email and NextRequest:

Records Custodian
New Mexico Attorney General’s Office
PO Drawer 1508
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1508
IPRArequestrecords@nmag.gov
Fax: (505) 717-3600

Unless impractical, the Records Custodian will upload a request received via email, mail, or fax to NextRequest.

For further information regarding the Inspection of Public Records Act, review the OMA /IPRA (NM Sunshine Laws).

NOTICE OF RIGHT TO INSPECT PUBLIC RECORDS

By law, under the Inspection of Public Records Act, every person has the right to inspect public records of The New Mexico Office Of The Attorney General. Compliance with requests to inspect public records is an integral part of the routine duties of the officers and employees of The New Mexico Office Of The Attorney General.

Procedures for Requesting Inspection

Requests to inspect public records should be submitted to the records custodian, located below.

A person desiring to inspect public records may submit a request to the records custodian orally or in writing. However, the procedures and penalties prescribed by the Act apply only to written requests. A written request must contain the name, address and telephone number of the person making the request. Written requests may be submitted in person or sent via US mail, email or facsimile. The request must describe the records sought in sufficient detail to enable the records custodian to identify and locate the requested records.

The records custodian must permit inspection immediately or as soon as practicable, but no later than 15 calendar days after the records custodian receives the inspection request. If inspection is not permitted within three 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 15 calendar days after the records custodian receives the request for inspection.

Procedures for Requesting Copies and Fees

There is no fee for electronically produced records.

If a person requesting inspection would like a physical copy of a public record, a reasonable fee may be charged. The fee for printed documents 8.5 inches by 11 inches or smaller is 75 cents per page. The fee for larger documents is 1 dollar per page. The fee for CD or DVD is $10 per disc. The records custodian may request that applicable fees for copying public records be paid in advance, before the copies are made. A receipt indicating that the fees have been paid will be provided upon request to the person requesting the copies.

Contact Information: IPRArequestrecords@nmag.gov