BILINGUAL EDUCATION COST DIFFERENTIAL

HB 223 increases funding for bilingual education programs in New Mexico public schools by raising the cost differential factor used to calculate program units. Starting July 1, 2025, the factor will begin at 0.6 and increase by 0.1 annually until it reaches 1.0 by July 1, 2029. This directly affects schools offering bilingual multicultural education programs, as it will boost state funding for these programs over five years. The bill amends existing funding law without changing program eligibility or requirements.