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

Miera

DATE TYPED

2-7-04

HB

509

 

SHORT TITLE

Extend-Multi-Term Education Testing Contracts

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Segura

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

NFI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

New Mexico Public Education Department (PED)

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

House Bill 509 amends Section 13-1-150 NMSA 1978 to provide for multi-term contracts for periods up to 12 years for professional services relating to the development and implementation of standardized tests for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade and services relating to the development and implementation of teacher tests required to obtain professional licensure.

 

Significant Issues

 

According to PED, currently, Section 13-1-150 NMSA 1978 limits the term of professional services contracts, with certain exceptions, to four years.

 

The department indicates that to extending the allowable term of these professional contracts would benefit the implementation of student and teacher testing programs:

 

  • The same tests could be administered for longer periods of time resulting in an increase in longitudinal test data available to schools;

 

  • It would enable the PED to save additional costs associated with proposals for tests development;

 

  • The bill would promote long-range program planning, thus supporting increased continuity in the statewide testing program; and

 

  • In meeting NCLB requirements, increasing the allowable term for assessment contracts could provide continuity in the measurement of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) through the use of the same tests over time.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

House Bill 509 does not  contain an appropriation. According to PED, enactment of this bill would allow PED to enter into contracts less frequently, resulting in costs savings over time.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

According to PED, an increase in term length for assessment contracts would most probably result in a reduction of time needed on the part of staff in the issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFP).

 

 

RS/dm:lg