HOUSE BILL 41

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

INTRODUCED BY

Gloria C. Vaughn

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; REQUIRING A LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD TO CREATE COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES IN A LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM IN EXCHANGE FOR ACADEMIC CREDIT OR ACCESS TO A GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE THREATENED WITH SUSPENSION OR WHO HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED.

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

     Section 1. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] COMMUNITY SERVICE.--

          A. A local school board shall create community service options in a local government maintenance program in exchange for academic credit or access to a general equivalency diploma.

          B. A student threatened with suspension or a student who has been suspended shall be eligible for the community service program.

          C. The community service opportunity shall be focused on providing maintenance in facilities or parks likely to be neglected as a result of state budget cuts."

- 2 -