SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 13

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Jacob R. Candelaria

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE INTERIM COMMITTEE THAT REVIEWS MATTERS PERTAINING TO COURTS, CORRECTIONS AND JUSTICE ISSUES TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF STATEWIDE ADOPTION OF THE USE OF DOCUMENT REDACTION SOFTWARE.

     WHEREAS, the Inspection of Public Records Act is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of governmental bodies; and

     WHEREAS, anyone can request public records and no statement of purpose is required; however, certain exemptions apply that protect interests such as personal privacy, national security and law enforcement; and

     WHEREAS, public records provide notice to all members of society of the official actions taken by governmental entities; and

     WHEREAS, public officials and employees should strive to ensure that all reasonable requests to inspect public records are promptly and efficiently granted; and

     WHEREAS, there is an increasing need to improve government's use of technology in responding to records requests and in making information available; and

     WHEREAS, document redaction software exists that allows for the electronic removal of specific information from a document; and

     WHEREAS, making public records accessible to people using technology is a powerful way to arm people with the tools that keep government accountable;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the interim committee that reviews matters pertaining to courts, corrections and justice issues be requested to convene a task force to study the feasibility of statewide adoption of the use of document redaction software; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include representatives of the New Mexico foundation for open government, the New Mexico press association, the New Mexico broadcasters association, the society of professional journalists, the office of the attorney general and other relevant state agencies, members of state and local law enforcement agencies and a representative of the department of public safety; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force be requested to report its findings and conclusions to the interim legislative committee that reviews matters pertaining to courts, corrections and justice issues by October 1, 2019; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the interim committee that reviews matters pertaining to courts, corrections and justice issues, the president of the New Mexico foundation for open government, the executive director of the New Mexico press association, the board chair of the New Mexico broadcasters association, the region nine chapter of the society of professional journalists, the attorney general and the secretary of public safety.

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