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Committee advances bill to let educational television equipment fund pay for radio gear at public schools
Summary
Senate Bill 495 was given a do-pass recommendation; the bill would expand the Educational Television Equipment Replacement Fund to include radio equipment and to allow expenditures at public schools and higher-education institutions.
The House Appropriations and Finance Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 495 to allow the Educational Television Equipment Replacement Fund to pay for radio equipment and permit expenditures at public schools.
Senator Campos told the committee the amendment would add "radio" as an eligible use and allow schools and higher-education institutions to participate in the fund. He said the fund currently holds “somewhere in the neighborhood of about $1,200,000,” and that the change would broaden access for public media across the state.
Representative Brown asked which higher-education entities operate radio stations; the sponsor cited Eastern New Mexico University, the University of New Mexico and Albuquerque Public Schools among large examples, and said other 2-year colleges and school districts operate programs. Representative Herndon noted that KUNM’s youth radio program could use updated equipment; the sponsor replied that adding "radio" would provide another funding opportunity.
Representative Vincent moved the bill; Representative Garrett seconded. The committee recorded no recorded opposition and the chair announced the motion carried. The bill advances to the next legislative step.
No specific project applications or distribution rules were presented during the hearing; the sponsor said the change would allow radio programs to participate in existing fund mechanisms.
