SENATE BILL 650

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

AN ACT

RELATING TO FEDERAL FUNDS; CREATING THE TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS FUND; PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION; CREATING A TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING POWERS AND DUTIES.

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

     Section 1. TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS FUND--CREATED--FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS--DEPARTMENT DUTIES--TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.--

          A. The "technology and energy improvements fund" is created as a nonreverting fund in the state treasury. The fund consists of legislative appropriations, gifts, grants and donations to the fund and federal stimulus distributions to the state related to:

                (1) information technology;

                (2) research and investment in clean energy generation and transmission; and

                (3) other science-related infrastructure, education and research.

          B. The energy, minerals and natural resources department shall administer the fund and money in the fund shall be used to provide grants for technology- and energy-related projects allowed by the federal stimulus law or according to provisions of federal appropriations. Disbursements from the fund shall be by warrant of the secretary of finance and administration pursuant to vouchers signed by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources or the secretary's authorized representative.

          C. The department shall adopt rules, including:

                (1) a statewide strategic technology and energy improvements plan, which shall be updated annually; and

                (2) requirements and evaluation criteria for applications or other determinations for the distribution of money from the fund.

          D. The "technology and energy stimulus technical advisory committee" is created, consisting of the following members:

                (1) the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources;

                (2) the president of the New Mexico institute of mining and technology;

                (3) three members appointed by the governor;

                (4) two members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

                (5) two members appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate.

          E. The committee shall:

                (1) approve the annual strategic plan and the plan to distribute money in the fund;

                (2) approve grants and contracts; and

                (3) prepare an annual report to the legislature.

          F. Members of the committee shall not be entitled to per diem and mileage expenses. The department shall serve as staff for the committee.

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