This bill amends the Inspection of Public Records Act to require state agencies, institutions, and political subdivisions to publicly disclose the names and resumes of at least three finalists for appointive executive positions at least ten days before a final selection is made. It also mandates the collection of demographic data from applicants and candidates on a voluntary and anonymous basis, which includes information on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and languages spoken. While the individual-level data will remain confidential, aggregated demographic data will be made public when finalists are announced. Additionally, the bill exempts records that could reveal the identity of applicants or candidates, except for the finalists, from public inspection.

Furthermore, the bill repeals Section 21-1-16.1 NMSA 1978, which may have previously governed aspects of public records related to appointive executive positions. The effective date for the provisions of this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 21-1-16.1