45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION; CHANGING THE EXTENDED LEARNING FUND TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY FUND; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

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

Section 1. Section 21-2A-11 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1995, Chapter 224, Section 17) is amended to read:

"21-2A-11. EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAMS--PURPOSE--

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION RESPONSIBILITIES--REPORTING.--

A. The commission on higher education shall coordinate the role and participation of public post-secondary higher education institutions in the development and operation of extended learning programs. Extended learning programs shall be established to ensure equitable student access to educational opportunities throughout the state. The commission shall work to ensure access, efficiency, coordination and accountability in the development and operation of the extended learning programs.

B. In coordinating the development and operation of extended learning programs, the commission on higher education shall make awards from the [extended learning] higher education technology fund for the purpose of establishing [pilot] extended learning programs. [Pilot] Programs shall focus on the creation and operation of community-based extended learning centers, the development of regional resources and the expanded use of technology in instruction.

C. Annually, prior to October 1, the commission on higher education shall report to the legislature and the governor on the status of extended learning programs and make recommendations on the funding level for such projects for the upcoming year."

Section 2. Section 21-2A-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1995, Chapter 224, Section 18) is amended to read:

"21-2A-12. [EXTENDED LEARNING] HIGHER EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY FUND CREATED--DISTRIBUTION OF FUND.--The "[extended learning] higher education technology fund" is created in the state treasury. Money in the fund is appropriated to the commission on higher education for the purpose of making awards to public schools and public post-secondary institutions for the purpose of developing and operating extended learning programs and information technology projects throughout the state. The commission shall establish by regulation a procedure for application and award of money in the fund. Disbursements of the fund shall be made by warrant of the department of finance and administration pursuant to vouchers signed by the executive director of the commission on higher education. Any unexpended or unencumbered balances remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain to the credit of the fund."

Section 3. APPROPRIATION.--Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the higher education technology fund for expenditure in fiscal year 2003 and subsequent fiscal years to support the development of a New Mexico virtual college. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.