SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed six bills into law that sustain and expand adult education efforts, fund additional loan-repayment programs for high-demand workers and remove financial barriers for New Mexicans seeking a high school equivalency certificate.
"With the signing of these bills, New Mexico solidifies its place as a leader in higher education access and adult education support,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “We are making education more accessible and affordable, empowering our workforce and positioning our state at the forefront of innovation. Every student and prospective student has the chance to thrive and flourish right here in New Mexico."
The governor has signed the following bills into law:
House Bill 24: Community Governance Attorney and Conditional Tuition Waiver Program (Sen. Leo Jaramillo and Rep. Miguel P. Garcia)
Creates regulations for the program, including a living stipend based on funding and attendance costs. The bill also pursues and accepts grants and donations to support the program's sustainability.
House Bill 69: Loan Forgiveness Multiplier Act (Rep. Joy Garratt and Sen. Leo Jaramillo)
Creates a method to define how a postsecondary education institution shall determine full-time employment status for adjunct and contingent faculty seeking education loan forgiveness through the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The bill also establishes a multiplier for credit hours or classroom contact time for those employees and provides for certification of their employment status to the U.S. Department of Education.
House Bill 89: Graduate Scholarship Act Changes (Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero)
Adjusts eligibility criteria for the Graduate Scholarship to provide more flexibility and increase the awards for students in New Mexico pursuing graduate degrees. Students can qualify if they are a New Mexico resident with a priority for those with the greatest financial need and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education, expanding the program’s reach.
House Bill 167: High School Equivalency Credential Tests (Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. E. Diane Torres-Velásquez and Sen. Nicole Tobiassen)
New Mexico has become the fifth state to make high school equivalency tests free to all residents.
Senate Bill 8: Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program (Sen. Pat Woods)
Creates a student loan repayment program totaling up to $80,000 to a veterinarian who commits to working in a designated under-served area of New Mexico for at least four years with a focus on food animal care.
Senate Bill 19: Board of Regents Training Requirements (Sen. Jeff Steinborn)
Requires that regents of all state educational institutions take part in a mandatory ten-hour training during the first year of their term of office. The training will cover state laws, financial requirements and other key subjects. The Higher Education Department shall develop and provide the training materials.