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Committee approves HB167 to fund high-school-equivalency testing and prep; amendment strikes appropriation
Summary
The committee amended House Bill 167 to remove an appropriation already included in the budget and approved a due-pass recommendation for free high-school-equivalency tests and test-preparation for New Mexico residents.
The House Appropriations and Finance Committee adopted an amendment to House Bill 167 that strikes the bill's appropriation because lawmakers have already provided the funding in the state budget. After adopting that amendment, the committee voted to give the bill a "do pass" recommendation as amended.
Why it matters: Supporters from adult-education programs said paying test fees and covering test-prep costs removes a barrier to credentialing for New Mexicans who are not currently enrolled in high school and are at least 16 years old. Witnesses said free testing would increase access to education and workforce opportunities, strengthen the pipeline into higher education and reduce barriers facing adult learners.
What the amendment did: The committee adopted amendment 0.231612.1, which removes the bill's separate appropriation because the funding is already in the enacted budget. Committee members then approved the amended bill for a floor recommendation.
Public comment: Testimony in support included Jorge Rodriguez of Somos Un Pueblo Unido (a worker and immigrant justice organization), Marla Schodes (registered lobbyist for Central New Mexico Community College) and students/learners who described how cost barriers block credential attainment. Supporters noted that a practice-test requirement in the bill helps focus resources on candidates likely to pass and that paying the test fee (about $145 per test) can be a material barrier.
Action taken: The committee adopted the amendment, then moved and recorded a due-pass recommendation for HB167 as amended with no recorded opposition in the hearing.
Ending: Committee members thanked advocates and noted the committee had already included funding in the budget, a factor that led to adopting the amendment and moving the bill forward.
