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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Duplicates SB247

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill eliminates the Area Vocational School Act Section 21-17-1 through 21-17-17 NMSA 1978. This bill also eliminates the Walker Air Force Base Section 21-15-1 through 21-15-3 NMSA 1978. All laws governing the authority of two-year institutions to assess mil levies are moved under the College District Tax Act. The definition of full-time equivalent student is re-defined to be students taking college-level courses. For those students counted in the membership of a public school district and receiving high school credit for course work at the community college or technical and vocational institute, the district will transfer tuition and fees to the community college or technical and vocational institute.

This bill enables the three percent state scholarship which allows institutions to waive tuition and fees for three percent of the preceding fall semester's enrollment.

This bill changes the number of technical and vocational institute board members from seven to five or seven.

Significant Issues

According to the CHE, this bill eliminates language which requires community colleges to work with the CHE to prescribe the course of study and to define official standards of excellence in all matters relating to administration, course of study and quality of instruction. Such a change in statute appears to be inconsistent with progress made in collaborating with institutions in developing accountability measures relative to programs, operations and innovations which serve students.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill contains no appropriation.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

This bill duplicates Senate Bill 247.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The purpose of this bill will is to streamline statutes governing the two-year institutions. Currently, there is language in several different statutes which govern two-year education - Branch Campus Act, Community College Act, Technical Vocational Institute Act, Off-Campus Act, and Area Vocational School Act. At a minimum, this bill will ensure that the governing boards for all two-year institutions are structured the same.

This bill will ensure that all institutions are treated equitably. For three percent state scholarship, statute currently recognizes constitutional institutions and the New Mexico Junior College. The CHE, however, includes funding for the scholarship to all two-year institutions through the funding formula.

The CHE suggests the following amendment: replace every occurrence of "Board of Regents" with "Governing Board." The CHE also suggests eliminating duplicative language which authorizes three percent scholarships.

APP/njw