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	Campos		DATE TYPED	2/8/04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Statewide Transition Coordinating Council				SB	287
					ANALYST		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$54.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC)

New Mexico Public Education Department (PED)

Department of Health (DOH)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 287 creates the Statewide Transition Coordinating Council to examine the structure for, and make recommendations regarding, the delivery of transition services to all students. The bill appropriates $54 thousand from the general fund to the PED to implement the provisions of this bill.

Significant Issues

The analyses submitted all point out that the bill creates and reinstates the statewide coordinating council. Initially, the coordinating council was designed to serve disabled students. This bill broadens the scope of services to all students, requires the coordinating council meet four times a year and gives it the following duties:

· develop strategies and models for delivery of transition from school to post-school services and support for all students grades 8-12,

· assess effectiveness of implementation of such activities, and

· report results of its studies and activities to the secretary of PED, the PED commission, the CHE, and the LESC by November 1 of each year.

The Statewide Transition Coordinating Council will consist of up to 30 members representing the PED, teachers and administrators, students, parents, institutions of higher education, vocational education, transition-related agencies and councils, the business community and the workforce development board.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $54 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY05 shall revert to the general fund.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The DOH states that studies have shown that students have more successful transitions from high school to adulthood with the support of knowledgeable adults and linkage with external resources. The intent of the bill is to promote successful transition from school to adulthood. New Mexico’s rates for high school dropout and for teens not attending school and not working are well above the national average, and perhaps transitioning services could assist these students and help lessen the dropout rate.

LB/yr