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





SPONSOR: Maes DATE TYPED: 03/01/01 HB
SHORT TITLE: Assistive Technology for Disabled SB 593
ANALYST: Gilbert


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
 Recurring

or Non-Rec

 Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 535.0 Recurring GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Relates to: HB121 Duplicates: HB30



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files

State Department of Education (SDE)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



Senate Bill 593 appropriates $535.0 to the State Department of Education (SDE) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to provide needed assistive technology to persons with disabilities.

Significant Issues



DVR will use this appropriation to guarantee loans for disabled individuals who purchase assistive technology devices on credit.



According to the SDE, the financial loan guarantee program is currently supported with $100.0 from federal sources. This appropriation will allow the DVR to serve more clients, many of whom are considered to be high financial risks. The National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) is currently offering states a 50% federal funding match under a request for proposal in this area. If New Mexico puts up $535.0, this loan program could be expanded to over one million dollars, assuming DVR's proposal is accepted.





FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $535.0 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.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



House Bill 121 appropriates $1,000.0 to the State Department of Education (SDE) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to provide statewide services, through independent living centers, to persons with disabilities.



House Bill 30 duplicates this bill.

LG/prr