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

Taylor, JG

DATE TYPED

2/14/04

HB

HJR 13/aHEC/aHVEC

 

SHORT TITLE

Practice for Public Good Law Scholarship

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Wilson

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

 

 

See Narrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of HVEC Amendment

 

The House Voters and Elections amendment clarifies the wording in the HEC amendment. The amendment also allows law students attending law schools other than the University of New Mexico to participate in the loan program.

 

Synopsis of HEC Amendment

 

The House Education Committee amendment clarifies the wording in the resolution to specify that the students who receive loans are required to gain employment with the State of New Mexico to serve in a legal capacity involving a governmental agency, non-profit organization or a discount legal service capacity for the benefit of low income people for a specified number of years. This will be required after the student has graduated from law school and been admitted to the New Mexico Bar.

 

Synopsis of Original Bill

 

House Joint Resolution 13 proposed to amend Article 9 of the New Mexico Constitution and give New Mexico the right to establish a loan program for students at the University of New Mexico Law School. The loan program will cover educational expenses for residents of the State who, after graduation, contract with the state to practice law for the public good for a specified number of years.

Significant Issues

 

•     Provides an incentive for New Mexico law students to work for the public sector of New Mexico.

 

•     Helps keep New Mexico law students in the state of New Mexico. Many law students leave the State to gain experience.  This provides a mechanism for law students to gain experience while at the same time helping those in need.

 

•     Supports and promotes diligence and excellence in advocacy and jurisprudence in the public sector of New Mexico.

 

•     Helps protect the rights of individuals, preserve the jury system, enhance trial practice, ensure access to the courts, advance the interests of innocent parties, and maintain judicial integrity and independence in the state of New Mexico.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The Secretary of State notes it will cost $40 thousand for this constitutional amendment.

 

TECHNICAL ISSUES

 

The language in this resolution may be too broad. Suggest changing page 3, line 4 to read “…in return for the payment of educational expenses, after graduation, students will be required to contract with the State of New Mexico to serve in a legal capacity involving a governmental agency, non-profit organization, or a discount legal service capacity for the benefit of low income people for a specified number of years”.

 

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

 

What happens in the cases of those who are loaned money, but do not graduate or pass the bar?

 

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