HOUSE BILL 64

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

INTRODUCED BY

Eleanor Chávez

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION; EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF THE NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-SECONDARY TUITION RATES AND STATE-FUNDED FINANCIAL AID.

 

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

     SECTION 1. Section 21-1-4.6 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2005, Chapter 348, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "21-1-4.6. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR ADMISSION TO ANY PUBLIC POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION--NONDISCRIMINATION IN ELIGIBILITY FOR EDUCATION BENEFITS.--

          A. A public post-secondary educational institution shall not deny admission to a student on account of the student's immigration status.

          B. Any tuition rate or state-funded financial aid that is granted to residents of New Mexico shall also be granted on the same terms to all persons, regardless of immigration status, who [have]:

                (1) attended a secondary educational institution in New Mexico for at least one year and [who have] either graduated from a New Mexico high school or received a high school equivalency credential in New Mexico;

                (2) attended adult education courses recognized by the adult basic education division of the higher education department for a period equivalent to two semesters as provided by rule; or

                (3) in the immediately preceding two years, earned income in New Mexico for which returns were filed pursuant to the Income Tax Act.

          C. Any tuition rate or state-funded financial aid that is granted to residents of New Mexico shall be granted on the same terms to all persons for whom a court made findings of fact and rulings of law in accordance with the Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification Act and submitted an application to the United States secretary of homeland security for a grant of special immigrant juvenile status as provided in 8 U.S.C. Section 1101(a)(27)(J)."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2025.

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