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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR Larranaga
DATE TYPED 1/31/05
HB 253
SHORT TITLE
SB
ANALYST Wilson
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY05
FY06
FY05
FY06
NFI
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
House Bill 253 requires all newspapers of general circulation published in New Mexico to print
in one issue of the newspaper, upon request and at no charge, an obituary notice not exceeding a
single column, one inch in length.
Significant Issues
HB 253 will reduce the revenues to newspapers since they will be required to print short obituar-
ies at no charge. Currently they are receiving fees for printing most obituaries.
The Santa Fe New Mexican currently charges $20.85 for a one inch obituary and counts on this
as a source of revenue. Smaller papers charge less, but they are probably more dependent on this
source of revenue.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
No Fiscal Impact
POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
Who will enforce this bill.
How will the public be informed of its right to a free obituary.
Does this bill include weeklies.
DW/yr