Open records requests in New Mexico

How the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) works

New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1 et seq.) grants any person the right to inspect public records of all state and local government agencies, including state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and all other public bodies. The Act has a strong presumption of openness and a clear framework for handling denials, when a request is denied, a written explanation citing applicable law is required. Agencies must respond within three business days, among the fastest mandatory timelines in the country.

Fees may be charged only for the actual cost of copying; no fee may be charged for inspecting records or for staff search time. The New Mexico Attorney General's office actively enforces the IPRA, and courts may award attorney's fees and damages to successful requesters. Common exemptions include law enforcement investigative records, personnel files, attorney-client privileged materials, and trade secrets. New Mexico's short deadline and fee restrictions make it one of the more accessible states for routine records requests.