Email
The New Mexico House voted 59-0 today to approve legislation that would require agendas for public meetings be made available at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting.
Supporters of the measure, House Bill 21, have said it would give New Mexicans more time to check into what public bodies, such as school boards and city councils, plan on debating in their regularly scheduled gatherings.
Under current state law, such agendas have to be posted 24 hours in advance. Although agenda items can be removed after that deadline, public bodies cannot take action on matters not included on the agenda except in emergencies.
Gov. Susana Martinez and the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government are among the supporters of the changes included in this year’s bill, sponsored by Rep. James Smith, R-Sandia Park. Similar attempts to require earlier notice for public meetings has come up short in recent legislative sessions.
The measure now advances to the Senate.
-- Email the reporter at dboyd@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-992-6281
