NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Military Affairs

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 630 proposes to amend Section 20-4-3 NMSA 1978 to provide a pay increase for enlisted members of the National Guard who serve on state-ordered duty. Individuals in the pay grade of E1 through E5 shall not receive less than the minimum daily rate of the pay grade of E6.

Significant Issues

According to the Department of Military Affairs, the bill is a morale and welfare remedy to help provide for serving military personnel in the entry-level enlisted positions who might have to leave their full-time employment to serve in times of declared state emergencies. The bill would ensure that soldiers called to state active duty do not suffer financial hardships because of the call to duty.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill does not contain an appropriation. During normal state emergencies, the funds for the National Guard pay are expended from the Adjutant General Emergency Fund, after a declaration of a state emergency. The total fund for the Department of Military Affairs is $250.0. For extreme emergencies, such as the Cerro Grande/Scott Able fire, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may pay additional costs, pending a federal declaration of a state of emergency.

MW/njw