New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 1 - GENERAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 24 - RULES
Part 25 - DEFAULT PROCEDURAL RULE FOR RULEMAKING
Section 1.24.25.13 - PUBLIC HEARING

A. Prior to adopting a proposed rule, the agency must hold a public rule hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to provide all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views or arguments orally or in writing on the proposed rule. The agency, at its sole discretion, may determine whether to hold more than one hearing.

B. The agency may act as the hearing officer or designate an individual hearing officer to preside over the hearing. The hearing officer may ask questions and provide comments for clarification purposes only, but should refrain from providing opinions or engaging in discussion regarding the merits of the proposed rule or any public comment presented.. The hearing officer shall identify and mark all written comments submitted during the public comment period, as well as any written comments submitted during the hearing. The public comment should be labeled as exhibits for reference, but do not require formal admission into the hearing record.

D. Individuals wishing to provide public comment or submit information at the hearing must state their name and any relevant affiliation for the record and be recognized before presenting. Public comment shall not be taken under oath unless required by law or separate rule of the agency. Any individual who provides public comment at the hearing may be questioned by the agency or hearing officer or, at the discretion of the agency or hearing officer, or as otherwise provided by law, by other persons at the hearing.

E. The hearing shall be conducted in a fair and equitable manner. The agency or hearing officer may determine the format in which the hearing is conducted (e.g. introduction of each part or section one at a time for comment), but the hearing should be conducted in a simple and organized manner that facilitates public comment and a clear rulemaking record.

F. The rules of evidence do not apply to public rule hearings and the agency or hearing officer may, in the interest of efficiency, exclude or limit comment or questions deemed irrelevant, redundant, or unduly repetitious.

G. The agency must hold the hearing in a venue that reasonably accommodates all persons who wish to participate or observe, and appropriate audio equipment should be secured to ensure all in attendance can hear the proceeding and be heard when presenting comment. Reasonable efforts shall be made to accommodate the use of audio and video recording devices. Hearings shall be open to the public, but are not subject to the New Mexico Open Meetings Act, unless conducted by a quorum of a public body.

H. The hearing shall be recorded by any stenographic method in use in the district court or by audio recording.