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.



Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.





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





SPONSOR: Madalena DATE TYPED: 02/16/01 HB 526
SHORT TITLE: Educational Access Rooms SB
ANALYST: Gilbert


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 235.8 Recurring GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files

State Department of Education (SDE)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



House Bill 526 appropriates $235.8 to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Local Government Division to create ten educational access rooms to provide models for providing access to technology and education at community centers throughout New Mexico. The access rooms will be used for coordinated tutoring, distance learning, and parent involvement services.



Significant Issues



Tutoring for students via software technology, online learning, and distance education opportunities are becoming more prevalent in New Mexico with the advent of programs such as the New Mexico Virtual School and other higher education offerings. Since many New Mexico residents do not have access to the Internet at home, community technology access centers would enable them to gain access to these services.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $235.8 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.















AMENDMENTS



In order to more effectively utilize the technical expertise available at the State Department of Education (SDE), the SDE recommends that this bill be amended to include language requiring DFA to collaborate with the Educational Technology Bureau of the SDE, regarding the educational aspects mentioned in this bill.



LG/ar