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.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates House Bill 647

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 500 appropriates $100.0 to New Mexico State University (NMSU) to produce and distribute on a statewide basis a booklet providing information to help prevent divorce.

Significant Issues

This appropriation would be used by the NMSU cooperative extension service to produce and distribute a booklet entitled Before you Check Out, Check your Options. This booklet would provide options (private, public & faith-based) to couples prior to marriage dissolution. Guidance in the booklet would include conflict resolution, communication skills, financial counseling, substance abuse issues, ending an affair, rebuilding or recommitting to a marriage, domestic violence resources and related topics.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $100.0 contained in this bill is a non-recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The following is provided for information only. It is not intended as a commentary on the merits of the program/project.

A request for this appropriation was not included in NMSU's budget request to the NMSU Board of Regents, it was not approved by the NMSU Board of Regents, and it was not submitted by NMSU to the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) for review. The CHE did not recommend funding this program.

LG/ar