44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

RELATING TO CORRECTIONS; AMENDING CHAPTER 33 NMSA 1978 BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO REQUIRE AN INMATE TO HAVE A GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA OR A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA BEFORE RELEASE FROM A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

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

Section 1. A new section of Chapter 33 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

"[NEW MATERIAL] GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA OR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA--REQUIREMENT.--Prior to release from a correctional facility an inmate shall be required to have obtained a general equivalency diploma or a high school diploma."

Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--Three million dollars ($3,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the corrections department for expenditure in fiscal year 2001 to contract for educational services for inmates in correctional facilities who are required to obtain a general equivalency diploma or a high school diploma. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund.