The bill amends the State Rules Act to enhance public participation in the rulemaking process by requiring agencies to respond in writing to all public comments on proposed rules before those rules can be adopted. Specifically, it mandates that agencies must not only consider public comments submitted during a designated comment period but also provide written responses that address the unique concerns raised in each comment. These responses must be published alongside the adopted rules in the New Mexico Register, ensuring transparency and accountability in the rulemaking process.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the New Mexico Register will now include these agency responses to public comments, further solidifying the importance of public input in the regulatory framework. The amendments aim to foster a more inclusive and responsive approach to rulemaking, allowing for greater public engagement and ensuring that the voices of citizens are heard and considered in the development of state regulations.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 14-4-5, 14-4-5.3, 14-4-7.1