RELATING TO EDUCATION; PROVIDING ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE NATIONAL GUARD SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

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

Section 1. Section 21-1-2.1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1996, Chapter 64, Section 1) is amended to read:

"21-1-2.1. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.--

A. The department of military affairs shall establish a scholarship program for students who are in the New Mexico national guard. The adjutant general of the department of military affairs shall provide for the administration of the scholarship program and shall establish criteria for scholarship eligibility and award in accordance with rules adopted and promulgated by the department of military affairs. Scholarships awarded may be used at any New Mexico public post-secondary educational institution. Scholarships shall be awarded in an amount and for a duration to be determined by the department.

B. The board of regents of each public post-secondary educational institution shall designate a representative of the institution to coordinate the scholarship program."