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.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

Veterans' Service Commission

Secretary of State

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Joint Resolution 18 proposes to amend Article 9, Section 14 of the Constitution of New Mexico expand eligibility for the Vietnam Veterans' Scholarships.

Significant Issues

According to CHE, the agency is authorized by statute to establish and administer the Vietnam Veterans' Scholarship program. Veterans apply through the New Mexico Veterans' Service Commission and the Commission certifies approved applicants. Scholarships may be used toward a baccalaureate or master's degree program.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

According to CHE, in FY00 there were 136 Vietnam Veteran Scholarships awarded with an average award of approximately $470. According to the Veterans' Service Commission, it is impossible to predict the increased number of applications due to passage of the constitutional amendment thus the additional cost to the program cannot be determined.

Article 19, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution requires the Secretary of State to publish amendments to the constitution in both English and Spanish for four consecutive weeks in one newspaper in each county of the state. In addition, each amendment must be orally translated and radio broadcast into the following Native American languages: Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Keres, Zuni, Mescalero Apache, Jicarilla Apache, and Navajo. Secretary of State must also publish over 100,000 amendment booklets in English and Spanish and provide for distribution to New Mexico's 33 county clerks.

Secretary of State estimates it will cost $30,000 to comply with the constitutional and statutory requirements.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Minimal administrative impact to Secretary of State, CHE and the Veterans' Service Commission.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

Veterans' Service Commission indicates that this bill does not clearly state that a recipient must be a resident of New Mexico at the time of application and might effectively argue entitlement to the scholarship due to a prior residency in New Mexico that lasted ten years.

CTF/njw:ar