OMA and IPRA – NM Sunshine Laws

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) 490-4060.

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) 490-4060.

Upcoming Training Sessions

The Office of the New Mexico Attorney General will begin conducting our educational presentations throughout the state on these “Sunshine Laws” towards the end of 2023. In conjunction with these presentations we will also be disseminating the updated OMA and IPRA guides before the end of the year in tandem with the trainings.

To be added to the list for training requests please fill out the training form here.