Bill > SB125

This bill establishes the Building System Innovation Project Initiative to help school districts upgrade and replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical distribution systems in their buildings. Beginning July 1, 2025, school districts can apply for grant assistance to replace these systems with the goal of extending the building's useful life, improving student health and safety, promoting environmental protection, and reducing energy consumption. The council overseeing these grants will prioritize applications that are eligible for federal funding, include replacing evaporative cooling systems, or use photovoltaic technology in electrical systems. School districts must submit detailed assessments of their existing systems and proposed replacements, and the council will verify these applications through a public hearing process. The state will help fund these projects, with the state and school district sharing the total project cost according to an existing methodology. The bill appropriates $10 million from the general fund to support these grants, and any grant funds must be spent within three years of approval. The initiative aims to modernize school infrastructure and improve the learning environment for students while also promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=125&year=25