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	Ingle		DATE TYPED	01/31/04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Use of Neighborhood Electric Cars on Streets				SB	226
					ANALYST		Valenzuela

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	NFI		NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

No Responses Received From

Department of Transportation

Department of Public Safety

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 226 adds a new section to the Motor Vehicle Code that authorizes neighborhood electric cars to be driven on certain streets, except where prohibited by a local authority or the Department of Transportation. A neighborhood electric car is defined as a four-wheeled electric motor vehicle that has a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour but not less than 25 mph, complies with federal requirements in 49 CFR 571.500, and is equipped with safety equipment such as stop lamps and seat belts.

Significant Issues

Neighborhood electric cars are currently street-legal in 37 states. This bill places New Mexico among this majority of states and provides an alternative to gas- or diesel-powered cars, thereby reducing tailpipe emissions and reducing dependence on foreign oil.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

SB 226 does not contain an appropriation.

MFV/dm