Public to have access on Sunshine Portal

SANTA FE - New Mexico General Services Cabinet Secretary Ken Ortiz announced Thursday that the
department will begin the first-ever web posting of settlements of claims against state agencies.

“The money used to pay claims is taxpayer money, and taxpayers have a right to know how that money
is being spent without going through a formal records request,” Ortiz said.

The secretary said the web postings also will streamline the process of releasing settlements, saving
taxpayer money.

GSD’s Risk Management Division provides legal representation and insures state agencies against tort
claims and claims alleging civil rights violations, whistleblower retaliation and medical malpractice.
In addition to state agencies, Risk Management insures some local public bodies.

Ortiz said his agency is working with the Department of Information Technology to post claims
settlements on the New Mexico Sunshine Portal. The postings are expected to begin in August.

Settlements will be posted after they become open to public inspection under a state law that seals
settlements for at least 180 days.

Ortiz said GSD will post settlements that have become open to public inspection since Jan. 1, the start of
the administration under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.