Committee advances changes to graduate scholarship program to prioritize New Mexico residents

The House Education Committee issued a do-pass recommendation for House Bill 89, a bill that would revise the state’s graduate scholarship program to prioritize New Mexico residents, allow awards up to 100 percent of tuition and fees for an academic year (awarded semester by semester), and expand eligibility rules for applicants who already hold bachelor’s degrees.

Proponents said the changes would help attract and retain graduate students—particularly in high‑need fields such as healthcare, education and law—and help stem the state’s “brain drain.” Opponents and some committee members raised concerns about limited program funding, the treatment of international students and how the award criteria interact with existing institutional rules.

Adam Webb introduced the measure and presented Victor Reyes as an expert and student-government representative. Michelle Rivera Ramirez, identified as president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association, told the committee she came from a low‑income household and supported the bill as a way to help students afford graduate study and remain in New Mexico. Graduate students, university representatives and workforce advocates testified in favor, citing shortages in rural communities and the need for advanced training in the state.

Committee members asked technical questions about residency and immigration status, program funding and GPA thresholds. Witnesses and staff said the bill’s residency requirement is intended to give priority to New Mexico residents; they also explained that federal immigration status is governed by federal law and that the bill’s residency requirement does not change federal visa rules. Testimony noted the program’s current budget and reach: the Higher Education Department’s fiscal information cited approximately $488,000 available in the referenced year and that 68 students received awards in fiscal year 2025 under the existing program cap.

Representative Lada moved a do-pass recommendation; the committee reported a do-pass recommendation and will forward the bill in the legislative process. Supporters said the measure is designed to be an investment in the state’s workforce and research capacity. Some members urged careful consideration of funding levels and eligibility details so the program benefits intended New Mexico residents without excluding students already serving state needs.