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	Moore		DATE TYPED	01/30/04		HB	146
SHORT TITLE		Mesalands Museum & College Athletic Programs				SB
					ANALYST		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$221.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to HB 12

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 146 appropriates $221 thousand from the general fund to the CHE for two activities:

• $113 thousand to support, market and expand programs for science and learning at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum in Tucumcari, and
• $108 thousand to support and administer athletic programs at Mesalands Community College.

Significant Issues

The $113 thousand appropriation duplicates HB 12. However, neither of these appropriations was recommended by the CHE.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $221 contained in this bill is an expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY05 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The bill provides funds for the CHE to administer the two programs. Presumably, the CHE will serve as a conduit for the funds with the administration being done by a local entity.

AMENDMENTS

The following language is suggested for all new recurring higher education programs and expansion of current programs (assuming that funding will continue beyond FY05):

“The institution receiving the appropriation in this bill shall submit a program evaluation to the Legislative Finance Committee and the Commission on Higher Education by August 2007 detailing the benefits to the State of New Mexico from having implemented this program over a three period.”

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Will the CHE be required to administer the programs or will ENMU and\or some other local entity actually “operate” the program?

LB/prr:lg