Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us). Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC 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	Lujan B		DATE TYPED	1/27/04		HB	HJM 24
SHORT TITLE		Study Establishment of Veterans’ Cemeteries				SB
					ANALYST		Dunbar

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
			See Narrative

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

HJM 24 creates a commission to study proposals establishing new veterans’ cemeteries in the state. This joint memorial would establish a commission made up of two members of the senate, two members of the house, the Secretary of Veterans Services, the Commissioner of Public Lands, one representative of each of New Mexico’s congressional offices, and one member of the major veteran’s organizations in this state. The commission is required to submit their findings to the appropriate interim committee of the legislature by December 1, 2004.

Significant Issues

Various proposals are underway to establish or enhance veterans’ cemeteries in the state. For example, the National Cemetery in Santa Fe is scheduled to close in 2015. An opportunity exists for the Cemetery to purchase an additional ten acres which would extend the close date to near 2050. The Department of Veterans Services has entered into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington to develop a state cemetery located at Ft. Stanton. There is a federal program to plan, develop and establish state cemeteries; monies are available through a grant program. If the state develops a new veteran cemetery, the state would then need to fund this cemetery in perpetuity, for operation and maintenance.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill does not contain an appropriation. The bill does not indicate how the commission would be paid mileage and per diem.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The bill does not address what agency will “staff” the commission.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

Page 2, lines 17-18 should read, the “Secretary of Veterans Services” instead of the “director of the Veterans' Service Commission

BD/njw:lg