Bill > HB22

This bill expands who qualifies for scholarships under the Grow Your Own Teachers Act and provides professional leave to public school employees who are recipients of those scholarships. Key provisions include: 1. Expanding the definition of "school employee" to include any resident of New Mexico authorized to work in the U.S. who has been employed by a public school in a position working directly with students for at least two years and is in good standing. 2. Requiring public schools to grant professional leave to scholarship recipients to attend college classes, exams, and practice teaching, as long as it minimizes disruption to the school day. Schools can require employees to make up missed hours. 3. Allowing public schools to provide distance education resources for scholarship recipients who don't live near the post-secondary institution's campus. 4. Maintaining the existing criteria for scholarship eligibility, which includes not having the appropriate teaching credentials and demonstrating financial need. 5. Continuing the administration of the scholarship program by the Higher Education Department, in consultation with the Public Education Department.

Education, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=22&year=21