HB 153 establishes a state rebate program to incentivize the use of low-carbon construction materials, such as cement, steel, and glass, in eligible projects (over one residential unit or 5,000 square feet of nonresidential space). Material buyers (e.g., developers or contractors) can receive rebates for purchasing materials meeting emissions benchmarks set by the Department of Environment - 15% below industry-average greenhouse gas emissions - verified through independently assessed environmental product declarations. Rebates are capped at $500,000 per project and $10 million statewide annually, with priority given to projects achieving the greatest emissions reductions and using New Mexico-made materials. The program requires annual reporting on emissions reductions and includes strict antifraud measures, including penalties for false claims.
HB 253 requires New Mexico school districts and charter schools to report projected enrollment numbers for students in distance learning programs. It changes school funding calculations by excluding distance learning students from membership counts used to determine state funding, and establishes a new approval process for these programs requiring state education department review. The bill also sets enrollment limits for distance learning with specific exceptions, clarifies requirements for students with disabilities in such programs, and renames the "Statewide Cyber Academy Act" as the "Distance Learning Act" while updating related definitions. These changes directly affect school districts, charter schools, and students enrolled in distance learning programs.
