HOUSE BILL 472

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Jimmie C. Hall

AN ACT

RELATING TO EXECUTIVE REORGANIZATION; TRANSFERRING THE STATE APPROVING DIVISION OF THE VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

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

     SECTION 1. Section 9-22-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2004, Chapter 19, Section 4) is amended to read:

     "9-22-4. DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED.--The "veterans' services department" is created in the executive branch. The department is a cabinet department and includes the following divisions:

          A. the administrative services division;

          B. the field services division; and

          [C. the state approving division

          D.] C. the state benefits division."

     SECTION 2. Section 9-25-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2005, Chapter 289, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "9-25-1. SHORT TITLE.--[Sections 1 through 13 of this act] Chapter 9, Article 25 NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Higher Education Department Act"."

     SECTION 3. Section 9-25-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2005, Chapter 289, Section 4, as amended) is amended to read:

     "9-25-4. DEPARTMENT CREATED.--

          A. The "higher education department" is created in the executive branch. The department is a cabinet department and includes the following divisions:

                (1) the administrative services division;

                (2) the planning and research division;

                (3) the financial aid division;

                (4) the public information and communications division;

                (5) the adult basic education division;

                (6) the information technology division;

                (7) the private and proprietary schools division;

                (8) the public schools liaison division; [and]                (9) the American Indian post-secondary education division; and

                (10) the state approving division, for the purposes of 38 USCA Section 3671.

          B. The secretary may organize the department and divisions of the department and may transfer or merge functions between divisions and bureaus in the interest of efficiency and economy."

     SECTION 4. TEMPORARY PROVISION--RECOMPILATION INSTRUCTIONS.--The compiler shall recompile Section 9-22-13 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2004, Chapter 19, Section 13) as part of the Higher Education Department Act.

     SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2011.

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