The bill amends the Inspection of Public Records Act in New Mexico by introducing new exemptions and clarifying existing definitions and procedures related to public records requests. Key insertions include exemptions for medical records, personal email addresses and phone numbers provided to public bodies, security system records, and records related to cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. The bill also specifies that while law enforcement records are generally public, there are additional protections for the identities of victims, witnesses, confidential informants, and undercover officers. New definitions such as "broad or burdensome" requests and "cybersecurity information" are established, along with revised procedures for requesting and denying access to public records.

Additionally, the bill modifies the accountability of public bodies for failing to produce records, requiring that they be served with a summons and complaint and found to have violated the act by a court. It allows courts to award damages, costs, or reasonable attorney fees to individuals whose requests have been denied, contingent upon a successful court outcome and a finding that the public body did not act in good faith. The bill aims to enhance the protection of sensitive information while ensuring transparency and accountability in public records management.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 14-2-1, 14-2-1.2, 14-2-6, 14-2-8, 14-2-9, 14-2-11, 14-2-12