SENATE BILL 40

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Sue Wilson Beffort

AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION; PROVIDING FOR COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY SCHOLARSHIPS TO INCLUDE HEALTH INSURANCE.

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

     Section 1. A new section of the College Affordability Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] HEALTH INSURANCE.--

          A. As part of the award of a scholarship, and subject to department rules, the scholarship shall include money for a public post-secondary institution or tribal college to add the student to the health insurance policy generally offered to students attending the institution or college.

          B. The department shall determine by rule the qualifications and criteria for a qualified eligible student to receive the health insurance benefit authorized in Subsection A of this section; provided that one qualification shall be that the student is not covered by any other health insurance plan.

          C. Money for the health insurance plan benefit authorized in Subsection A of this section shall be in addition to the scholarship award limitation in Subsection D of Section 21-21L-5 NMSA 1978.

          D. The duration and termination of the health insurance plan benefit authorized in Subsection A of this section shall be coextensive with the duration and termination of scholarships awarded pursuant to the College Affordability Act."

     Section 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2008.

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