State of Mexico Legislature approves new transparency laws

The Legislature of the State of Mexico has approved new laws regarding Transparency and Access to Public Information, as well as Personal Data Protection. These reforms aim to harmonize state legislation with a new federal model and will lead to the dissolution of the Infoem.

In its place, a new administrative body called ‘Transparencia Mexiquense’ will be created. This entity will function as a decentralized organ under the state Secretariat of the Comptroller. The new framework also establishes the Transparency and Access to Information Subsystem of the State of Mexico, with a committee to be chaired by the head of the Secretariat of the Comptroller and including representatives from state institutions, autonomous bodies, and municipalities.

The reform passed with 56 votes in favor from the Morena, PT, and PVEM parties, while 19 legislators from the PAN, PRD, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano voted against it. Supporters, including Governor Delfina Gómez, argue the changes ensure citizen rights while promoting austerity by reducing administrative costs and high salaries. Opponents, however, warn that placing the transparency body within the Executive branch structure compromises its independence and ability to act as an autonomous guarantor.