NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.



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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Sanchez DATE TYPED: 02/12/00 HB 466
SHORT TITLE: Establish Dedicated Fusion Energy Laboratory SB
ANALYST: Pacheco-Perez


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
 Recurring

or Non-Rec

 Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
$ 400.0 Rec GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

_______________________________________________________________________________________



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $400.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the New Mexico State University to enable the College of Engineering to conduct research and other activities related to the acquisition of federal funds for the establishment of a dedicated fusion energy laboratory in New Mexico. This bill carries an emergency clause.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $400.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund for expenditure in fiscal years 2000 and 2001. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the general fund.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



According to EMNRD, research described in this bill is not duplicative of that being conducted at the state's national laboratories. If a state funding match is not provided, the availability of federal funding for such research could be negatively impacted.





he CHE recommends that the following language be included for all new recurring higher education programs: "A plan for a program evaluation, including specific program goals and criteria for assessing program effectiveness shall be submitted to the LFC and the CHE by October 1, 2000. An assessment of the program will be completed prior to June 30, 2001 and submitted to the LFC and the CHE."



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