N.M. to recognize FOI requests via e-mail, fax

Beginning June 19, New Mexico institutions and agencies will be required to treat e-mailed or faxed requests just as if they were submitted in writing, KOB (New Mexico) reported.

A new state law will require governmental institutions and agencies to accept e-mailed and faxed requests for public records.

Gov. Bill Richardson signed legislation Friday that makes clear that an e-mail or fax must be treated the same as written requests under the state Inspection of Public Records Act.

Attorney General Gary King advocated the change in law, which will take effect June 19. In 2007, King's office issued an advisory opinion saying governmental bodies can accept e-mail requests for records although the law didn't explicitly require it.

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