Request Inspection of Public Records

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Right to Inspect Public Records

State Auditor Maestas is committed to transparency in government operations. The Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) is intended to provide the public with access to information about governmental affairs. Open government – that is, the public’s access to government actions – is a crucial aspect of a functioning democracy. Section 14-2-1 of IPRA establishes the right of citizens to access virtually all public records relating to government affairs, with few exceptions. It is the responsibility of a public body to make public records available for inspection.

Procedures to Request Inspection of Public Records

To inspect public records of the State Auditor, you may submit a request to inspect public records verbally, via email, or in writing (including facsimile) to the State Auditor’s designated Records Custodian.  The procedures and penalties described in the Inspection of Public Records Act apply only to written and email requests. A written or email request to inspect public records shall provide the name, address, and telephone number of the person seeking access to inspect public records. The contact information for the State Auditor’s Records Custodian is:

Bernadet Martinez

Records Custodian
Office of the State Auditor
2540 Camino Edward Ortiz, Suite A
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: (505) 476-3800
Fax: (505) 827-3512

An appointment to inspect public records is permitted during the Office of the State Auditor’s regular business hours, which are from 8:00am to 12:00 noon, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday (except for legal holidays recognized by the state).

Requesting Copies of Public Records

You may request copies of public records, for which a reasonable fee will be charged at the rate of $.50 per page. Payment of this fee is required in advance. You will be provided with a receipt upon request. The Office of the State Auditor is required to provide a copy of a public record in electronic format if the public record is available in electronic format and an electronic copy is specifically requested.