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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T



SPONSOR: Smith DATE TYPED: 01/26/00 HB
SHORT TITLE: Entomology & Nursery Industry Inspector SB 121
ANALYST: Pacheco-Perez


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
$ 70.0 Recurring GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates HB204 Relates to HB2, SB2



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $70.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the New Mexico State University for the purpose of the NMDA to hire one FTE entomology and nursery inspector and to provide for related expenses to respond to new infestations of pests in the nursery and agriculture industries.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $70.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the general fund.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



This bill provides funding to add on FTE to the NMDA.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



This bill duplicates House Bill 204. This bill also relates to House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 2 which provide for $50.0 for an Entomologist.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



According to the NMDA, new and unexpected pest issues have developed in the state which have led to federal quarantines, causing increased inspections and survey requirements by the NMDA in order for New Mexico producers to ship products out of quarantined areas. Failure to hire an Entomologist will delay the shipment of products, precluding the New Mexican industry from being a viable player in interstate and international trade.



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