Pat Woods, a New Mexico State Senator, said that Senate Bill 57 undermines government transparency by exempting certain publicly funded entities from the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). Woods made this statement in a press release on March 3.
"There are already exemptions for sensitive and personal information an IPRA request cannot reveal to the public," said Woods. "New Mexicans rightfully deserve to know how their taxpayer dollars are being spent, this bill aims to directly contradict that. I stand for government transparency which is why I firmly stood against this proposal."
According to the New Mexico legislature, Senate Bill 57 was passed by the New Mexico Senate on March 3, 2025, with a 26-16 vote, despite unified Republican opposition. The bill creates a new exemption under IPRA for publicly funded entities whose employees perform abortions, restricting public access to related financial records. This measure reduces government transparency by preventing taxpayers from knowing how public funds are allocated in such cases.
As per Justia U.S. Law, the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act is designed to ensure transparency by granting the public access to government records. Under IPRA, agencies are required to provide copies of public records upon request unless they fall under specific exemptions outlined in the law. Violations of IPRA can result in legal action, with courts able to impose penalties and require government entities to release unlawfully withheld information.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a Final Rule strengthening the HIPAA Privacy Rule in response to increasing concerns over reproductive health privacy. This amendment prohibits healthcare providers, health plans, and other covered entities from disclosing protected health information for investigations or proceedings against individuals seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating reproductive health care, including abortions when such care is lawful where provided.
Woods has represented New Mexico’s Senate District 7 since 2012. A farmer and rancher from Broadview, NM, he and his wife, Eva, have three children and four grandchildren. Woods advocates for rural communities and agricultural interests in the state legislature.
