[1] NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only 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 (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website.  The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC’s 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:

Hamilton

 

DATE TYPED:

02/06/02

 

HB

51/aHEC

 

SHORT TITLE:

WNMU Web-based Teacher Licensing

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

Fernandez

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

 

 

$988.0

 

 

 

Recurring

General Fund

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Duplicates/Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

 

No Response

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of HEC Amendment

 

The House Education Committee amendment removes references to teacher “licensure” and “licensing” program and replaces with – teacher “preparation” program.

 

     Synopsis of Original Bill

 

House Bill 51 appropriates $988.0 from the general fund to Western New Mexico University (WNMU) to establish a network for web-based teacher licensure.

 

     Significant Issues

 

WNMU will offer all school of education licensure, endorsement and professional development courses via the web.  According to WNMU, the coursework would be offered at the following learning centers:  Silver City, Gallup, Deming, and Truth or Consequences.    WNMU recognizes

 

the value and importance of face-to-face instruction and will continue to provide instruction though on-site classes and television. 

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $988.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.  Funds are available for expenditure in fiscal years 2002 and 2003.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

The 2001 Legislature appropriated $400.0 to WNMU for this same purpose; however, the appropriation was vetoed by the Governor.

 

CTF/njw:ar

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