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	Kidd		DATE TYPED	2/9/04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Tatum School District Horse Riding Lessons				SB	525
					ANALYST		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$10.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

New Mexico Public Education Department (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 525 appropriates $10 thousand from the general fund to the PED to contract for therapeutic horseback riding lessons for individuals with disabilities or special needs.

Significant Issues

According to the PED, current state statutes and state rules allow a licensed recreation therapist to provide therapeutic horse back riding lessons for students with disabilities if that therapy is required by their individualized education program. The full time equivalency for this licensed therapist can be reimbursed through the state equalization guarantee (SEG). The funding for this therapist would flow to the district the following year, since all funding through the SEG is based on prior year data. If this appropriation is needed to support a therapeutic program only in the start-up year, it may be warranted. Otherwise, it appears to duplicate current statute and rules.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $10 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.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The PED suggests that in line 19, the words “or special needs” be deleted and the language aligned current state statute, which provides for program units for related service ancillary to special education only to students with disabilities.

LB/dm