46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003
RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION; CHANGING THE EXTENDED LEARNING FUND TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY FUND.
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] educational 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 educational
institutions for the purpose of developing and operating
extended learning programs and information technology projects
throughout the state. The commission shall establish by
[regulation] rule 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."