Uniform Information Technology Resources Policy

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Gov. Bill Richardson issued an Executive Order creating New Mexico's first, uniform Information Technology Resources Policy for state agencies. The policy deals with all facets of IT usage and access, including appropriate and inappropriate use of computers and the Internet by state employees.

"I have ordered a uniform, statewide policy governing information technologies (IT) for all executive state agencies and departments," said Richardson. "I will not tolerate the abuse of taxpayer resources or trust. Let there be no doubt that the inappropriate use of state
systems will result in immediate action."

The order comes after the completion of a statewide security assessment of IT resources by the staff of the Information Technology commission. The group fashioned its recommendations after looking a best practices in several other arenas including the federal sector and New Mexico universities.

The new policies cover Internet and intranet use by state employees, e-mail and use of the state's digital network. The Executive Order permits the state to install software to "monitor and record all IT resources usage, including e-mail and Web site visits." Staff "shall have no expectations of privacy" while on the state's Internet or intranet, the order further states. The directive also prohibits employees for using IT resources for anything other than official state business.

Richardson's Executive Order requires cabinet secretaries and directors to immediately implement the policy. All staff that has access to state automation and information systems will be required to sign a statement indicating they have received and read a copy of the policy.

Any staff members who violate the policy will be subject to immediate suspension and termination of access to IT resources, as well as disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Employees found to have violated the more serious aspects of the policy will receive a written reprimand and suspension without pay for at least one week to at most one month, or termination for cause.

Read the entire Executive Order by clicking here.