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Committee approves HB 167 as amended to cover high-school equivalency tests
Summary
The committee approved a do-pass recommendation for HB 167 as amended; the amendment removed an appropriation because the test-cost coverage is already in the budget. The bill directs the Higher Education Department to pay for high-school equivalency (HSE) credential tests and associated test-preparation costs for eligible New Mexico residents.
The House Appropriations and Finance Committee approved a do-pass recommendation for House Bill 167 as amended, a measure directing the Higher Education Department to pay the cost of high-school equivalency credential tests and associated test-preparation costs for eligible New Mexico residents.
Sponsor Representative Garrett told the committee the program covers New Mexico residents at least 16 years old who are not enrolled in secondary school, have not graduated from an accredited high-school program, and have passed an official practice test. Garrett noted the amendment (0.2316120.1) strikes the appropriation from the bill because those funds already appear in the budget.
Supporters included Marla Schoetz, registered lobbyist for Central New Mexico Community College, who said CNM stands in “strong support” and noted CNM’s HSE course offerings. Student commenters described the program’s benefits: Leah Ellis, a former HSE student, said without a high-school equivalency many career and higher-education opportunities are closed; Victoria Garcia Montoya and other adult-education students asked the committee to remove financial barriers to testing.
Ranking Member Chatfield moved a do-pass on the amended bill; Representatives Brown and Little seconded the motion. The committee approved the do-pass recommendation with no recorded opposition.
The amended bill requires the Higher Education Department to cover test costs and associated preparation for eligible residents who meet the stated conditions; the record indicates the amendment removes the appropriations language because funding is already in the enacted budget.
