In 2025, the Levin Center conducted a study of all 50 states to examine how legislatures ensure government programs work effectively for citizens. Factors such as legislative oversight committees, routine engagement with executive agencies, collection of casework data, digital transparency tools, and user-centered policy evaluation were of particular importance. The full report can be found here.
State Summary #
The New Mexico Legislature has six specialized oversight committees and a few best practices for conducting people-centered oversight. First, on each committee’s homepage, front and center, is a section titled “Virtual Public Comment” in which users are directed to an easy and user-friendly process that provides a link to instructions for providing public comment, and a link that becomes active one hour before a scheduled meeting to join a Zoom. In three of the six committees surveyed, there was evidence of the committee receiving comments from the public. Furthermore, the interim committees often meet for full days at various locations throughout the state, not just at the State Capitol. This provides opportunities for citizens who may live too far from the Capitol to attend a legislative meeting closer to their place of residence.
The New Mexico Legislature also provides public documents that are useful for their constituents to remain up to date on the latest oversight happenings. The state has a transparency website called “New Mexico Sunshine Portal” where public data (mainly fiscal in nature) is available and can be easily accessed. On the oversight committees’ web pages, users can also find a final report compiled by the committee at the end of each legislative session and several “handouts” that are easy-to-read documents summarizing the committees’ actions.
Also of note in New Mexico is the LegiSTAT system, in which legislative committees work with agencies to develop — and assess progress toward — certain performance-related metrics that may include improved program implementation or results for end users.
