Senate education committee advances bill to broaden graduate scholarship eligibility

Sen. Harold Pope said the Senate Education Committee gave Senate Bill 68, which changes eligibility and award rules for the Graduate Scholarship Act, a favorable recommendation (a "due pass") after discussion and public testimony.

The bill removes a U.S. citizenship or naturalization requirement and the full-time enrollment requirement for the scholarship, eliminates an existing $7,200-per-academic-year cap and instead allows awards up to 100% of tuition and fees while recipients remain enrolled. It also removes an unpaid internship requirement and requires continuous enrollment in consecutive academic years to maintain eligibility.

"It's an important bill," Victor Reyes, student regent at the University of New Mexico, told the committee, adding the Graduate Professional Students Association brought the proposal and supports it. Representatives of the University of New Mexico, the American Association of University Women and the Legal Voice of New Mexico also testified in support. Ranjeet Kudali, who identified himself as a graduate dean and associate provost for international affairs at New Mexico State University, said the change would "provide opportunities for students who otherwise might not pursue graduate education."

Committee members pressed sponsors on how the program will be distributed and the available funding. Committee materials cited 68 students who received the scholarship in fiscal year 2025; the sponsor said the program currently operates under HB 2 and estimated available funds at about $400,000 but said he did not have an exact current funding cap at the hearing. Senator Ezell asked what groups are meant by the bill's language on "groups underrepresented in graduate education;" Sen. Pope and Mr. Reyes said the language is intended to include socioeconomically disadvantaged students, students from rural communities and other groups that are underrepresented in graduate programs.

Some senators voiced concerns about removing restrictions on citizenship and on eligibility for certain professional degrees. Sen. Thornton asked why U.S. citizenship or permanent-resident requirements were removed; Sen. Pope replied the change is intended to allow New Mexico residents attending graduate programs—including international students who meet New Mexico residency rules—to obtain support. Sen. Hickey asked how the state would retain graduates in the local workforce; sponsors said the bill itself does not include post-graduation placement requirements but that universities and existing workforce and STEM programs are used to connect graduates with in-state employment.

The committee motion for a "due pass" was made by Sen. Hickey and seconded by Sen. Ozell. A roll call recorded affirmative responses from several members and the chair announced that SB68 received a due pass recommendation.

The bill as presented did not include an appropriation.

The committee scheduled no further immediate action at the hearing; supporters said the measure aims to broaden access to graduate education across New Mexico while sponsors and members flagged the need for better data and post-graduation outcome tracking.