Bill > HB425

This bill amends New Mexico's State Rules Act to require state agencies to provide more comprehensive and detailed responses to public comments during the rulemaking process. Specifically, when an agency proposes a new rule, it must now respond in writing to each public comment received during the mandatory 30-day comment period. These written responses must be unique to each comment, fact-specific, address the comment's potential impact on the proposed rule, and be published alongside the rule in the New Mexico Register (the state's official publication for administrative rules and notices). The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the rulemaking process by ensuring that agencies carefully consider and formally address public input before finalizing a rule. Additionally, the legislation maintains existing provisions about the timeframe for adopting proposed rules, which can be extended for up to two years with proper justification, and reinforces that rules are not valid until they are published in the official register.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=425&year=25