Attorney General
Raúl Torrez
Open Meetings Act
AG Guidance to Public Entities Regarding OMA and IPRA Compliance During COVID-19 State of Emergency
Attorney General Balderas issued the following guidance to public entities across the State of New Mexico regarding their ongoing obligations to comply with the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) during the state of emergency in New Mexico.
Open Government Division Advisory During COVID-19 State of Public Health Emergency
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.
OMA Complaints
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) 490-4060.
Submit a Complaint
With New Mexico Office of the Attorney General’s Electronic Complaint Submission (ECS) application, you can submit your complaint to our office without having to fill out paper forms.
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.
OMA and IPRA Virtual Training
Due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency and the Governor’s Orders, the Office of the Attorney General will not have in person trainings for Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) at this time. If you are interested in a virtual training, please send an email to roadshows@nmag.gov with your contact information.