Need help with access to public records and meetings? SPJ Rio Grande can lend a hand!
For help with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (OMA) or the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), click here.
For help with the Texas Open Meetings Act (OMA) or the Public Information Act (PIA), click here.
For help with requests under the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), click here.
Tips and Tools for New Mexico & El Paso Journalists
Members of our chapter created this hyperlinked tip sheet with information on covering crime, courts and criminal justice; government and politics; and business — plus a list of useful tools, and even a reading list. Download the guide here.
Bench Bar Media Committee Reference Guide
Updated in April 2013, this guide will help journalists looking for information on access to court proceedings and documents, information about the New Mexico shield law and rules about cameras and recording.
The State Bar of New Mexico also offers other resources for reporters, such as media inquiries about the state bar events and programming and inquiries concerning the conduct of attorneys and judges.
The Bench Bar Media Committee has also created a Legal Guide for Journalists as a reference guide for journalists who cover the legal beat. It contains a glossary of terms that should assist the media in accurately reporting on legal proceedings.
The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government
NMFOG operates a hotline for the public and journalists, can assist journalists with letters to recalcitrant records custodians and offer statements on specific issues. Its website includes an archive of New Mexico case law.
nmfog.org
Email: info@nmfog.org
Hotline: (505) 764-3750
Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
The foundation seeks to inform journalists, legal professionals, educators, students, public officials and individual citizens about their rights and responsibilities as participants in our democracy.
foift.org
Email: kelley.shannon@foift.org
Hotline: (800) 580-6651
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
RCFP is a deep source of information on press freedom including a New Mexico Open Government Guide and a Federal Open Government Guide. Also provides a letter generator and a legal defense hotline open to journalists and media lawyers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
rcfp.org
(800) 336-4243
Student Press Law Center
SPLC is the best source of information for high school and college journalists, including a letter generator and hotline.
splc.org
(703) 807-1904