HOUSE BILL 225

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Mimi Stewart

AN ACT

RELATING TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS; CREATING A READING MATERIALS FUND TO BE USED TO PURCHASE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH-BASED READING MATERIALS FOR CERTAIN READING PROGRAMS; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. A new section of the Instructional Material Law is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] READING MATERIALS FUND--CREATED--PURPOSE--APPLICATIONS.--

          A. The "reading materials fund" is created in the state treasury. The fund consists of appropriations, gifts, grants and donations. Money in the fund shall not revert to any other fund at the end of a fiscal year. The fund shall be administered by the department, and money in the fund is appropriated to the department to assist public schools that want to change their reading programs from the current adoption. Money in the fund shall be disbursed on warrant of the secretary of finance and administration pursuant to vouchers signed by the secretary of public education or the secretary's authorized representative.

          B. A school district that wants to use a scientific research-based core comprehensive, intervention or supplementary reading program may apply to the department for money from the reading materials fund to purchase the necessary instructional materials for the selected program. A school district may apply for funding for its reading program if:

                (1) core and supplemental materials are highly rated by either the Oregon reading first center or the Florida center for reading research or the materials are listed in the international dyslexia association's framework for informed reading and language instruction;

                (2) the district has selected no more than two comprehensive published core reading programs; and

                (3) the district has established a professional development plan describing how it will provide teachers with professional development and ongoing support in the effective use of the selected instructional materials."

     Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--Five million dollars ($5,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the reading materials fund for expenditure in fiscal year 2006 and subsequent fiscal years to carry out the purposes of the fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.

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