SB 309 requires the New Mexico Lottery Authority to deposit monthly net lottery revenue into the Lottery Tuition Fund, directly affecting the state's lottery operations and education funding. It sets minimum annual deposit targets ($43 million for 2027-2029, $45 million for 2030+), triggering a requirement to deposit 30% of monthly gross lottery revenue if these targets aren't met for two consecutive years. The bill clarifies that operating costs (like prizes, administration, and retailer commissions) are excluded when calculating deposits. This change ensures consistent funding for education by mandating specific revenue transfers from lottery sales.
HB 297 allocates $2.4 million from the state general fund to the University of New Mexico's Board of Regents for Project ECHO's literacy support programs. The funding will directly support educators in New Mexico schools by providing training and resources to improve literacy instruction methods. It covers fiscal years 2027 through 2029, with any unspent funds returning to the state treasury by 2029. This is a funding bill focused on enhancing educator capacity, not a policy change affecting broader public law.
SB 210 is an $80 million funding bill that appropriates general fund money to New Mexico Highlands University's Board of Regents for specific campus facility improvements. It directly affects the university by authorizing construction of a women's soccer field, football field, track, natatorium, and upgrades to the Gene Torres golf course, all to be completed by fiscal year 2027. Any unspent funds at year-end would revert to the state general fund. This is a procedural appropriation bill focused solely on funding allocation, not policy change.
SJM 4 is a non-binding request urging New Mexico's governor to opt the state into a federal tax credit program that allows donors to claim dollar-for-dollar tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations. This program would enable low-income families and students with special needs to access private scholarships covering K-12 education costs - including tuition, books, and special needs services - at public, private, or religious schools, without state funding. The request emphasizes that opting in requires only the governor's decision (no legislative action) and risks losing charitable donations to states like Texas and Colorado that have already joined the program. New Mexico would gain immediate access to this federal opportunity to expand educational choices for underserved students, aligning with bipartisan voter support for the initiative.
SB 243 allocates $5 million from the state general fund to New Mexico State University's Board of Regents for fiscal year 2027 to support student athletes. The funds cover direct needs like travel, nutrition, and other athlete-related expenses. Any unspent money at year-end must return to the general fund. This bill directly affects NMSU student athletes and the university's athletic program funding. It is a straightforward funding appropriation with no policy changes beyond the specified budget allocation.
HB 276 allocates $3.3 million from the general fund to New Mexico State University’s Board of Regents to support the state’s winemaking industry through specific initiatives. It funds projects recognizing the industry’s history and economic potential, including educational programs, statewide winery wayfinding signage, national marketing for the 400th anniversary of American winemaking, and an enologist (wine science expert) for student training. The funds are to be spent over fiscal years 2026-2028, with unspent balances reverting to the general fund by 2028. This bill directly benefits New Mexico’s wine producers, tourism departments, and university students pursuing careers in viticulture.
SB 307 transfers authority over academic tenure decisions from university regent boards to faculty and institutional policies. It explicitly states that regent boards cannot award, deny, revoke, or impose conditions on tenured faculty positions. Instead, all tenure decisions must follow each institution's established policies and be based on recommendations from the faculty itself. This bill directly affects state university regent boards and faculty members at New Mexico's public higher education institutions.
SB 244 allocates $5 million from the state general fund to the University of New Mexico's Board of Regents for fiscal year 2027 to directly support UNM student athletes. The funding covers specific needs like travel, nutrition, and other athlete-related expenses during their participation in intercollegiate sports. Any unspent portion of the appropriation must be returned to the general fund by the end of fiscal year 2027. This bill creates a one-time state funding mechanism for UNM athletic programs, with no ongoing financial commitment beyond the specified fiscal year.
This procedural memorial (HM 4) requests the Legislative Finance Committee to study health insurance access for public higher education educators and graduate student employees across New Mexico's public universities. The study will examine current coverage gaps - such as UNM being the only institution providing employer-funded medical insurance for graduate students - and evaluate options for expanding medical, dental, and vision coverage, including fiscal impacts and workforce effects, with a report due by October 2026.
SB 124 creates a new state fund to support major capital projects at New Mexico's public colleges and universities. The fund finances research/instruction facilities costing $50 million or more at four-year universities, and student housing/life projects (like recreation centers and dining halls) at all public institutions. Projects must meet matching requirements (10-50% from non-state sources like bonds or fees), with waivers possible if institutions can't afford the match. The bill also requires graduation rate data for Division I athletic facility projects and mandates documentation on student population needs for new facilities.
