Committee advances changes to graduate scholarship program to cover full tuition and modernize eligibility

Representative Hockman Deo presented House Bill 89, which would modernize the Graduate Scholarship Act. The bill would prioritize New Mexico residents, allow the scholarship to cover up to 100% of tuition and fees (one semester at a time), require a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and update credit‑hour language to reflect semester calendars and varied graduate‑program structures.

Victor Reyes, student regent and representative of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), told the committee the change is intended to help recruit and retain New Mexicans into graduate programs that are in high demand across the state, such as nursing, social work and law. GPSA and University of New Mexico witnesses said the scholarship’s current appropriation does not meet demand and that changing the law to allow full coverage of tuition would reduce financial barriers for graduate students.

Members asked detailed questions about residency requirements, verification of legal authorization to study, how awards are administered through university bursar accounts, and whether the definition of “full time” would vary by program. Sponsors and witnesses said the intent is to apply existing residency rules used by the Department of Higher Education and the universities and to maintain federal requirements for legal authorization to study. Committee members raised concerns about administrative clarity in some program definitions and asked the sponsor to work with the universities on language.

On a roll call the committee recorded four votes in favor and two opposed and issued a due‑pass recommendation.