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 a vailable 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 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 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