New Mexico bill would conceal IDs of applicants for public jobs

A top Democrat in the state Senate wants to shut off public access to the names and résumés of job applicants at public agencies statewide, a proposal already drawing strong opposition from transparency advocates.

The bill is one of hundreds expected to be debated as the Legislature begins its 60-day session today.

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Santa Fe judge rules that audit of New Mexico mental health providers can remain confidential

From The Republic: SANTA FE, New Mexico — A judge has ruled that government agencies don't have to disclose an audit of more than a dozen mental health providers under investigation for possible overbillings and fraud, because the audit contains law enforcement materials that are confidential.

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AP files open records lawsuits against NM governor

From Las Cruces Sun-News: SANTA FE – The Associated Press filed lawsuits Thursday against Gov. Susana Martinez and administration agencies for refusing to release records about her work and travel schedules, cell phone calls and expenses of the security officers who travel with the governor.

The lawsuits alleging violations of the Inspection of Public Records Act are the latest by media and watchdog groups against Martinez, who has promoted herself as a strong advocate of a transparent government.

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New Mexico judge to review behavioral Health Audit

Press release from The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government: Albuquerque – In response to a lawsuit filed by The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (NMFOG), District Court Judge Sarah Singleton has decided she will review the behavioral health audit for items to be disclosed or kept confidential.

During the proceeding, the Attorney General’s made note that they believe the audit should be kept confidential, even after the investigation has been completed, which we found quite disturbing. NMFOG is hopeful in the release of the redacted audit.

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NFOIC’s State FOIA Friday for November 22, 2013

From NFOIC:  A few state FOIA and local open government news items selected from many of interest that we might or might not have drawn attention to earlier in the week. While you're at it, be sure to check out State FOIA Friday Archives.

Minnesota high court: Business not subject to open-records laws

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NMFOG: New Mexico Attorney General and Human Services Department release heavily redacted behavioral health audit

Press release from The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government:  Albuquerque – In response to a lawsuit filed by The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (NMFOG), the Attorney General of New Mexico and the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) today (Oct. 18, 2013) released some new portions of the Behavioral Health Audit report, which HSD relied upon in halting Medicaid payments to health care providers in New Mexico until new management was put in place.

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New Mexico Foundation for Open Government mulled kudos for Martinez, King

From Santa Fe New Mexican: Just weeks before the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government sued Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration for withholding a controversial audit report, the chairwoman of the foundation’s executive board was pitching the idea of giving Martinez — as well as Attorney General Gary King — an award for government transparency.

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NMFOG sues AG’s office, HSD to release behavioral health audit

From New Mexico Telegram: An open government group announced it would sue for the release of a behavioral health audit from the Attorney General’s office as well as the Human Services Department.

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government made the announcement in a Tuesday afternoon press release.

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New Mexico groups sue for release of behavioral health audit

From New Mexico Telegram:  One of the main points of controversy in the suspension of funding to behavioral health providers is the secrecy of the audit that prompted the findings.

Various media outlets, and the accused non-profits themselves, have sought to see the audit. So far, only ancillary portions of the audit have been released.

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NMFOG announces 2013 Dixon Freedom Award winners

From New Mexico Foundation for Open Government:  Five recipients were selected by FOG Board members to receive the organization’s top award for open government. The award, which has been given since 2002, honors NM FOG co-founder and longtime Board member William S. Dixon. Dixon was an attorney and leading defender of the First Amendment and public rights under the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA).

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