HOUSE BILL 487

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

E. Diane Torres-Velásquez and Linda M. López

and Patricia Roybal Caballero and Yanira Gurrola

and Tanya Mirabal Moya

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO HISPANIC EDUCATION; INCLUDING THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF NEW MEXICO'S HERITAGE SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE AND OTHER ELEMENTS IN THE PURPOSE FOR THE HISPANIC EDUCATION ACT; REQUIRING THE HISPANIC EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET AT BIANNUAL HISPANIC EDUCATION SUMMITS; ALLOWING PER DIEM AND MILEAGE FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 22-23B-2 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2010, Chapter 108, Section 2 and Laws 2010, Chapter 114, Section 2) is amended to read:

     "22-23B-2. PURPOSE.--The purpose of the Hispanic Education Act is to:

          A. provide for the study, development and implementation of educational systems that affect the [educational] academic success of Hispanic students to [close the achievement gap and] increase graduation rates and ensure lifelong success;

          B. protect and preserve New Mexico's heritage Spanish language and culture;

          [B.] C. encourage and foster parental involvement in the education of their children; and

          [C.] D. provide mechanisms for parents; community, community-based and business organizations; public schools; school districts; charter schools; public post-secondary educational institutions; the higher education department; the public education department; and state and local policymakers to work together to improve educational opportunities for Hispanic students for the purpose of [closing the achievement gap] increasing graduation rates, [and] increasing post-secondary enrollment, retention and completion and ensuring lifelong success."

     SECTION 2. Section 22-23B-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2010, Chapter 108, Section 5 and Laws 2010, Chapter 114, Section 5) is amended to read:

     "22-23B-5. HISPANIC EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL.--

          A. The "Hispanic education advisory council" is created as an advisory council to the secretary. The council shall advise the secretary on matters related to improving public school education for Hispanic students, increasing parent involvement and community engagement in the education of Hispanic students and increasing the number of Hispanic high school graduates who succeed in post-secondary academic, professional or vocational education.

          B. The secretary shall appoint no more than twenty-three members to the council who are knowledgeable about and interested in the education of Hispanic students, including representatives of public schools; post-secondary education and teacher preparation programs; parents; Hispanic cultural, community and business organizations; other community and business organizations; and other interested persons. The secretary shall give due regard to geographic representation. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary.

          C. The council shall elect a chairperson and such other officers as it deems necessary.

          D. The council shall meet as necessary, but at least twice each year at the biannual Hispanic education summit.

          E. The council shall advise the secretary on matters related to Hispanic education in New Mexico.

          F. Members of the council [shall not] may receive per diem and mileage [or other compensation for their services] as provided for nonsalaried public officers in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance."