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Committee advances change to graduate scholarship eligibility, prioritizing New Mexico residents and underrepresented groups
Summary
The committee gave a do‑pass recommendation to House Bill 89, which tightens residency rules, expands eligibility to part‑time graduate students, removes a per‑year cap, and gives priority to residents from groups underrepresented in graduate education; some senators voiced opposition to prioritized categories.
House Bill 89 would amend the Graduate Scholarship Act to require recipients be New Mexico residents, give priority to applicants with the greatest financial need and to students from groups underrepresented in graduate education, remove the U.S. citizenship/permanent resident requirement (citing existing federal requirements), allow part‑time enrollment (minimum six credits), and remove the $7,200‑per‑year cap in favor of awards up to the full cost of tuition and fees.
Michelle Rivera Ramirez, president of the University of New Mexico Graduate and Professional Student Association, testified in support, saying the changes would help working‑class New Mexicans afford advanced degrees and would help the state retain professionals in fields with workforce shortages. Sponsor representatives described the change as expanding access and aligning the scholarship with existing FAFSA‑based need determinations.
Senator Ezell voiced concern about language prioritizing “residents from groups underrepresented in graduate education,” saying the phrasing raised equity and selection questions and that she preferred strict residency or need‑based criteria. The sponsor’s staff explained that institutions would apply FAFSA and other established financial‑need measures and would identify underrepresented groups based on program needs and demographic disparities.
The committee voted to advance HB 89 with a do‑pass recommendation.
