PROTECTION OF HISPANIC EDUCATION

HB 487 amends New Mexico's Hispanic Education Act to explicitly protect and preserve the state's heritage Spanish language and culture as part of the law's purpose. It requires the Hispanic Education Advisory Council to meet at biannual Hispanic Education Summits and allows council members to receive travel and daily allowances (per diem and mileage) for their service. The bill directly affects the advisory council, public schools, and educational institutions serving Hispanic students across New Mexico. Key provisions update the act's goals to include cultural preservation and formalize council meeting requirements with compensation for members. The changes aim to strengthen collaboration between schools, communities, and policymakers to support Hispanic student success.