Bill

Bill > SB401


NM SB401

NM SB401
Broadband For Education


summary

Introduced
02/14/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
03/18/2025
Passed
03/21/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/07/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT RELATING TO BROADBAND; AMENDING THE SEVERANCE TAX BONDING ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUPPLEMENTAL SEVERANCE TAX BONDS FOR EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE; AMENDING THE BROADBAND ACCESS AND EXPANSION ACT; ADDING DEFINITIONS; CREATING THE EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND; PROVIDING FOR RULEMAKING; AUTHORIZING GRANTS; TRANSFERRING THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES AUTHORITY'S BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT AND CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM AND STATEWIDE EDUCATION NETWORK TO THE OFFICE OF BROADBAND ACCESS AND EXPANSION; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

AI Summary

This bill creates a comprehensive framework for improving broadband and education technology infrastructure in New Mexico's schools by establishing a new Education Technology Infrastructure Fund and transferring broadband-related programs to the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. The bill allows the state to issue up to $10 million in supplemental severance tax bonds annually to fund education technology projects, with the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion responsible for developing standards, guidelines, and grant criteria for these projects. The legislation requires the office to collaborate with the Public School Capital Outlay Council to define minimum adequacy standards for education technology infrastructure, create methodologies for determining project costs and priorities, and develop a statewide education technology infrastructure network. The bill covers various aspects of implementation, including funding mechanisms, project prioritization, and reporting requirements, and transfers existing broadband deployment and connectivity programs to the new office. The provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to improve internet connectivity and technology access for students across New Mexico, with particular attention to school districts with varying sizes, population densities, and technological needs.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Signed by Governor - Chapter 82 - Apr. 7 (on 04/07/2025)

bill text


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