STUDY PUBLICLY OWNED ELECTRIC UTILITY

HB 305 appropriates $150,000 from the general fund to the University of New Mexico's Bureau of Business and Economic Research to study whether creating a publicly owned electric utility for New Mexico is feasible. The study will examine the general possibility of the state acquiring and operating an electric utility, focusing on practical and economic factors. This bill does not create a utility but funds a neutral analysis to inform future decisions. The appropriation is limited to fiscal year 2027, with any unused funds reverting to the general fund.