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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Garcia, MJ

DATE TYPED 2/17/05

HB

SHORT TITLE

Create Veterans’ Affairs Oversight Committee

SB SM 48

ANALYST Hanika-Ortiz

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$0.1

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Memorial 48 requesting the New Mexico Legislative Council to create an interim Veter-

ans’ Affairs Oversight Committee notes that there are approximately two hundred thousand vet-

erans of the United States Armed Forces and the New Mexico National Guard who reside in

New Mexico. Veterans’ affairs is a key policy issue for the legislature with more than one hun-

dred bills related to veterans’ issues introduced in the first session of the forty-seventh legisla-

ture.

Significant Issues

The Memorial resolves that the New Mexico Legislative Council create an interim Veterans’ Af-

fairs Oversight Committee to work with the Veterans’ Services Department, the Department of

Military Affairs and related agencies to improve efficiency in veterans’ services provided by

federal, state and tribal governments. The Committee will make recommendations for legislative

initiatives to address findings.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

The Memorial further resolves that the Veterans’ Affairs Oversight Committee develop recom-

mendations by November 30, 2005 to assist the Veterans’ Services Department in formulating

legislative proposals. Copies of this Memorial will be transmitted to the Secretary of Veterans’

Services, the Adjutant General of the Department of Military Affairs and the Co-Chairs of the

Senate Memorial 48 -- Page 2

New Mexico Legislative Council.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There will be additional costs dependent on the extent of involvement of other State agencies,

how often the Committee is being requested to meet and how Committee recommendations im-

pact State agencies. However, costs may be offset by proposals prepared by the Committee that

actually increase the State’s efficiency in providing services to Veterans.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The Memorial is unclear as to what other agencies are being asked to participate in the Commit-

tee in addition to the Veterans’ Services Department and the Department of Military Affairs.

AHO/lg:yr